Wild's Mike Rupp suspended four games for illegal hit on T.J. Oshie

St. Louis Blues right wing T.J. Oshie needs help off of the ice after being injured. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

The NHL suspended Minnesota Wild forward Mike Rupp for four games without pay for a late illegal check to the head of St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie, the league announced Friday.

Rupp will miss the Wild's final regular season game against the Nashville Predators and the team's first three playoff games.

The hit came in the second period of the Wild's 4-2 victory, when Rupp hit Oshie in the chin with a shoulder after Oshie had passed the puck to the point and was circling around to get back in the play.

Oshie has 21 goals and 39 assists this season for the Blues and will not play in Friday's game against the Dallas Stars.

MUIR: Top Line: Sidney Crosby dazzles; Lousy Leafs appeal to Shanahan; more links

Rupp was assessed a match penalty for attempt to injure and will forfeit $7,692.31 in salary.