NHL suspends Canadiens defenseman Ryan White for five games

The NHL on Wednesday suspended Canadiens defenseman Ryan White for five games following his illegal check to the head of Flyers defenseman Kent Huskins on Monday.

White was assessed a match penalty and ejected for an attempt to injure after he took several strides toward Huskins. NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said the suspension was handed down because White had time to aim for the defender's body, but instead chose to target his check upwards toward Huskins' head.

It is the longest NHL suspension of the season, matching the sentence given to Patrick Kaleta of the Sabres in March.

White could return for the Canadiens' season finale against the Maple Leafs on April 27.