A look back at sports
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Sports pictures of the year
From a nail-biting pass at Superbowl XLIII to a bloody WBO World Welterwight fight, here's a look at the best sports photos of 2009. Slideshow
Predators' Nichol suspended five games for high-sticking
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nashville Predators forward Scott Nichol has been suspended for five games for high-sticking Montreal defenseman Patrice Brisebois, the NHL said on Monday.
Nichol was assessed a double minor at 16:40 of the second period during the Predators' 5-4 victory over the Canadiens on Saturday.
"The crosscheck by Mr. Nichol to the head area of his opponent was reckless and dangerous," Colin Campbell, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, said in a statement.
"Although no serious injury resulted, the action is unacceptable."
Nichol, who was suspended nine games for an incident in 2006, is now considered a "repeat offender" under the terms of the NHL's labor agreement. He will forfeit around $46,000 in salary during the suspension.
The 32-year-old Nichol will be eligible to return December 15 at Colorado.
(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Ed Osmond)
