Flyers' Briere suspended for two games for late hit

TORONTO (Reuters) - Philadelphia Flyers forward Daniel Briere has been suspended for two games for "a late hit on an unsuspecting opponent," the NHL said on Tuesday.

Briere leveled Colorado Avalanche defenseman Scott Hannan during the Flyers' 5-4 loss on Monday in Denver. The incident occurred just after Hannan scored in the second period.

"We were informed that Danny Briere was suspended two games by the NHL for his hit ... on Scott Hannan," Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren said in a statement on the team's website (flyers.nhl.com).

"It's obviously disappointing to not have Danny in the lineup for the next few games, but it's a decision that the league has come down with and we'll live with it."

Hannan did not return to the game following the hit and Briere did not receive a penalty at the time.

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington, editing by Greg Stutchbury)