NEW YORK -- Montreal Canadiens defenseman Douglas Murray has been suspended for three games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Michael Kostka during NHL Game No. 1135 in Tampa on Tuesday, April 1, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 17:47 of the third period. Murray was assessed a match penalty for illegal check to the head.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Murray will forfeit $23,076.93. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=593892&lang=en.