Bench-Flinging Coach Suspended

New Jersey coach Robbie Ftorek was suspended for one game and fined $10,000 by the NHL on Monday for throwing part of the team's bench onto the ice in Detroit.

Ftorek threw the bench during the second period of New Jersey's 3-1 loss to the Red Wings on Saturday.

"The actions of Mr. Ftorek are unacceptable," said Colin Campbell, the NHL's executive vice president and director of hockey operations. "All coaches must meet a standard of decorum, and any coach who demeans the game is accountable for his actions."

Ftorek was incensed that referee Stephen Walkom failed to stop play while Devils forward Jay Pandolfo lay on the ice with serious facial cuts. While play continued, Detroit's Kirk Maltby scored to give the Red Wings a 3-1 lead.

Pandolfo required 84 stitches to close four separate wounds on his forehead and around his left eye. Walkom said after the game he didn't stop play because he hadn't seen Pandolfo, Ftorek said.

Assistants Larry Robinson and Slava Fetisov will coach the team during Wednesday night's game at New York against the Rangers.

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