The standout netminder was suspended four games by the NHL on Thursday for his high stick to the face of Edmonton Oilers winger Ryan Smyth a night earlier. Turco picked up a double minor on the play, while a bleeding Smyth was sent to his team's dressing room for repairs.
Dallas (40-24-13-0) is fourth in the Western Conference following Wednesday's come-from-behind 4-3 overtime victory at Rexall Place. Veteran backup goalie Ron Tugnutt is expected to start in Turco's absence.
Marty Turco was suspended one game last season for high-sticking Colorado's Peter Forsberg. (CP Photo)
- RELATED:
- Player bio: Marty Turco
He'll sit out games Saturday at Vancouver, Sunday at San Jose, next Wednesday at home against the Oilers and April 2 at Minnesota, returning for the club's last regular-season game April 4 at home against Chicago.
"I didn't hit Smytty in the face on purpose," Turco said after the game. "It was an accident. That's all I'm going to say about that."
Turco, who will forfeit $195,121.96 US in salary, is a repeat offender. He was slapped with a one-game suspension last season for a high stick on Colorado's Peter Forsberg.
Turco, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is having another stellar season, sporting a 36-21-13 record with a 1.98 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.
In a related move, Dallas recalled netminder Jason Bacashihua from its American Hockey League affiliate in Utah.
with files from Canadian Press
