Canucks' Byron Bitz suspended for Game 1 hit

NEW YORK (AP) Vancouver Canucks forward Byron Bitz was suspended for two games by NHL on Thursday for boarding Los Angeles Kings forward Kyle Clifford during Game 1 of their playoff series.

The hit happened at 12:12 of the second period Wednesday night, and Bitz was given a major penalty and a game misconduct. Clifford stayed on the bench for a while, then left the game and did not return.

Willie Mitchell scored in the final minute of the power play assessed for the penalty, and the Kings beat Vancouver 4-2.

Updated April 12, 2012