New Jersey Devils center Blake Coleman (20) scores a breakaway goal against Boston Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New Jersey Devils center Blake Coleman (20) scores a breakaway goal against Boston Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) Credit: Elise Amendola

New York — The NHL suspended Boston Bruins forward David Backes three games without pay for an illegal hit to the head of New Jersey Devils forward Blake Coleman.

The league considered Backes a repeat offender.

Based on his salary, he will lose almost $220,000. The discipline also means Backes will miss Tuesday’s Winter Classic against Chicago at Notre Dame Stadium.

The incident occurred early in the third period on Thursday night, when Coleman was clearing a rebound from the New Jersey zone. Backes delivered a shoulder to his head and knocked him to the ice.

The Bruins forward was given a minor penalty. New Jersey won, 5-2.

Stars CEO Blasts Benn, Seguin

Frisco, Texas — Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites ripped captain Jamie Benn and fellow high-priced forward Tyler Seguin, telling reporters their play has been “terrible” and saying owner Tom Gaglardi was frustrated as well.

Lites requested the interviews on Friday, saying he believed Seguin and Benn deserved more public criticism with a team Lites says is underachieving.

The longtime Stars executive told The Athletic that Dallas would be in danger of missing the playoffs for the ninth time in 11 seasons without better play from Benn and Seguin. Lites told The Dallas Morning News both players “think it’s easy, and that’s what bothers me.”

Benn signed an eight-year, $76 million contract in July 2016, and Seguin signed an eight-year, $79 million deal before this season. Benn leads the team with 15 goals and Seguin leads with 21 assists, but both are further down the list of NHL scoring leaders than usual.

Friday’s Games

Canadiens 5, Panthers 3

Sunrise, Fla. — Tomas Tatar scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the third period, and Montreal beat Florida.

Jonathan Drouin had a goal and an assist, and Nicolas Deslauriers and Artturi Lehkonen also scored for the Canadiens, who won their third straight.

Henrik Borgstrom, Denis Malgin and Keith Yandle scored for the Panthers, who ended a two-game winning streak.

Islanders 6, Senators 3

New York — Mathew Barzal had two goals and an assist to help New York rally.

Josh Bailey had a goal and an assist, and Anders Lee, Johnny Boychuk and Casey Cizikas also scored for New York.

Maple Leafs 4, Blue Jackets 2

Columbus, Ohio — John Tavares scored two goals, Garret Sparks had 27 saves and Toronto beat Columbus.

Mitch Marner had a goal and assisted on both Tavares’ tallies, and Frederik Gauthier also scored to power the Maple Leafs to their fifth straight win, matching the longest streak of the season.