Flyers' Briere suspended for three games

TORONTO, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Philadelphia forward Danny Briere, the team's leading goal scorer, has been suspended for three games by the NHL.

Briere was suspended for actions in the final minute of the Flyers' game Saturday against the New York Islanders. Briere hit New York forward Frans Nielsen with his stick after a face-off.

Game officials assessed Briere a major penalty for cross-checking and a game misconduct, Nielsen was given a 10-minute misconduct.

Briere leads Philadelphia with six goals this season. He cannot return to the Flyers' lineup until a game Sunday at Washington. He'll miss home games against Carolina and the New York Rangers as well as a return game Saturday at the New York Islanders.