NEW YORK - Carolina Hurricanes right wing Tuomo Ruutu was suspended for three games on Saturday by the National Hockey League for a boarding infraction Friday that injured Colorado's Darcy Tucker.

The 26-year-old Finn was given a major penalty and game misconduct with 5:26 remaining in the second period for slamming Tucker into the boards during a 5-4 Avalanche home victory over Carolina.

Ruutu will forfeit $59,067 in salary and miss games Saturday at Minnesota, Wednesday against St. Louis and next Saturday at Philadelphia. Ruutu will be eligible to return November 1 when the Hurricanes face San Jose.

Tucker's face smashed into the glass and he fell unconscious and bleeding onto the ice, where Colorado team trainers and doctors treated him, applying a neck brace and strapping Tucker to a backboard before carrying him off.

Tucker, second on the Avalanche with four goals this season, suffered a concussion but was alert and taken to a hospital. He was released Saturday night but will remain out of action indefinitely.

Ruutu has 2 goals or 30 shots plus 4 assists in 9 games this season.