McSorley’s Suspension Costly, but Kings Don’t Lose a Player

HARTFORD, Conn. —  Under a new league policy, Marty McSorley won’t miss any games, despite a six-day suspension without pay, according to Saturday’s ruling by Gil Stein, NHL president.

The Kings’ McSorley, who cross-checked Bruin Darren Banks in the face Thursday, will lose $14,130 in pay and is fined $500 for the match penalty. Stein arrived at $14,130 by using the 276-day season. McSorley makes $650,000, so the daily rate of his salary is $2,355.

“This is not the first time McSorley has attempted to injure another player with his stick,” Stein wrote. “. . . It is evident this prior suspension (in 1988) did not get the point home to McSorley. . . . A more stringent deterrent is apparently necessary and will be applied.”

However, it might be argued that this ruling isn’t more stringent because he won’t miss any games. While McSorley loses money, he will serve the suspension on days in which the team does not play or travel, starting Nov. 7. During the suspension, he can’t practice.

Based on the Kings’ schedule, McSorley will complete the suspension Nov. 20. The team plays nine games before then.

In Boston, Banks, who has a swollen left eye, said he won’t miss any games because the injury. He wanted to talk to McSorley afterward but didn’t see him.