Winnipeg Jets coach OK with Byfuglien suspension ruling

Jets' coach Paul Maurice isn't thrilled with losingDustinByfuglienfromthe lineupagain, but he thinks the NHL'sdecision to suspend the 30-year-olddefencemanfor a cross-check earlier this week wasfairbased on the nature of the hit.

Byfuglienwas suspended for four games without pay after an illegal cross-check to New York Rangers centre J. T. Miller onTuesday night.

The NHL released a video Thursday explaining that the hit was "dangerous" and thatByfuglien used "excessive force" and Maurice agrees with that assessment.

"At the end of the day, we are responsible for our own actions, and it was a cross-check, and it was a dangerous one, so I have no problem with the suspension," said Maurice.

"I think you can hand out heavier suspensions on all of these events.I think players will make the adjustment. I think the tough part is being consistent with it."

The 260 pound forward will lose $111,827 of his salary during the suspension.

Jets bumped from wildcard spot

To add salt to the wound, with just five games remaining in the regular season, the Jets have been knocked out of the last wildcard playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Kings won Thursday night, moving up the standings and bumping outthe Jets, who've held onto one of the two wild card spots for most of the season.

While the Kings and Jets both have 90 points after 77 games, L.A. has more ROW (regulation and overtime wins, not including shootout wins), which is used for a tiebreaker in the standings.

Winnipeg, which is on a two-game losing streak, can leapfrog the Kingswith a win Saturday. The Jetshost the Vancouver Canucks at MTS Centre.