Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell was suspended two games for his hit on Boston Bruins defenceman Andrew Alberts Monday night, the NHL announced Tuesday. 

Hartnell was given a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct, which occurred during the second period of Monday's game.

Tuukka Rask, left, tends to Andrew Alberts, who was hit into the boards by Scott Hartnell on Monday night.
(Tom Mihalek/Associated Press)

Alberts lay on the ice for several minutes before being helped to the dressing room. He did not return to the game.

"It appears that Mr. Hartnell was attempting to let up on delivering a check to an opponent that was in a vulnerable position," NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said in a statement.

"However, at the point of contact, he did deliver a blow to the head of Mr. Alberts that resulted in an injury."

Hartnell is eligible to return to the Flyers lineup on Dec. 5 for a game against the Minnesota Wild. 

The seven-year NHL veteran will forfeit almost $45,000 US salary during that time. 

This is not the first player suspension stemming from a Philadelphia-Boston game. 

The last time these two teams met, Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron suffered a broken nose and concussion after being hit into the boards by Flyers blue-liner Randy Jones. 

Bergeron had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher.

Jones was handed a two-game suspension.

Two other Philadelphia players were slapped with hefty suspensions for ugly incidents early this season. 

Flyers forward Steve Downie was suspended 20 games after the 20-year-old prospect gave Ottawa Senators centre Dean McAmmond a concussion with a vicious hit in a pre-season game in September at Scotiabank Place.

McAmmond had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. 

Just over two weeks later, Philadelphia tough guy Jesse Boulerice got a 25-game suspension after cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler in the head.

With files from the Associated Press