Hits result in two player suspensions

The NHL suspended two players on Thursday for hits delivered during preseason games this week.

Detroit Red Wings forward Teemu Pulkkinen was suspended for four games and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Adam Erne

for three in separate incidents, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.

Pulkkinen received a major penalty and a game misconduct for boarding against Chicago defenseman Michael Kostka in the first period of Tuesday's Red Wings-Blackhawks game.

Erne delivered a illegal check to the head of St. Louis forward Vladimir Sobotka in the first period of Wednesday night's Lightning-Blues exhibition. Erne also was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct.