Tkachuk suspended for four games after cross-check on Walz

NEW YORK -- Blues forward Keith Tkachuk was suspended for four games without pay by the NHL on Tuesday for hitting Minnesota forward Wes Walz in the head with his stick.

Tkachuk will lose $487,804.84 in salary. He also was suspended for one game in March 2002. Because Tkachuk is a repeat offender, he forfeits salary based on the number of games in the season (82), rather than the number of days (180).

In the Blues' 3-1 loss to the Wild on Sunday, Tkachuk cross-checked Walz to the ice. Tkachuk was hit with a match penalty for intent to injure, but said he never tried to hurt Walz.

Afterward, Walz said the incident was "no big deal."

Tkachuk will be eligible to return March 7 at Detroit.