The NHL suspended Montreal Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre for four games on Friday for his actions in the team's loss the previous night in San Jose.

Lapierre earned the suspension for a boarding play on Scott Nichol early in the third period, which somehow did not result in a penalty.

Nichol skated in alone for a chance on the Montreal net and after hitting the post, Lapierre cross-checked the forward near the red line, with the forward sent head first into the boards.

Nichol did not return to the game, won 3-2 by San Jose.

The non-call upset the Sharks, with coach Todd McLellan calling it a "missed call and a real dangerous play."

The club said on Friday that Nichol would be out of the lineup from seven to 10 days with an undisclosed injury.

Lapierre will also forfeit more than $14,000 US in salary as a result of the discipline. He will be eligible to return March 13 against Boston.