NEW YORK - Arizona Coyotes forward Zac Rinaldo has been suspended for six games, without pay, for punching an unsuspecting opponent - Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard - during NHL Game No. 554 in Arizona on Saturday, Dec. 23, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 8:52 of the second period. Rinaldo was assessed a match penalty under Rule 46.15.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Rinaldo will forfeit $22,580.64. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.