Toronto, ON (Best E Casino) - Senators forward Jarkko Ruutu was suspended two games without pay on Wednesday for allegedly biting Buffalo Sabres forward Andrew Peters in Tuesday's contest between Ottawa and Buffalo.

The incident occurred in the first period of the contest, which was eventually won by the Sabres, 4-2. During a skirmish near the players' benches, Peters had a glove in Ruutu's face and the Buffalo forward came away from the gathering shaking a gloveless hand.

Peters complained to officials on the ice and was seen on the Sabres' bench mouthing that Ruutu bit him. Peters continued to make that claim after the contest.

Ruutu was not penalized on the play and denied biting Peters, but the suspension was handed down only hours after Ruutu had an over-the-phone hearing with NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell.

The suspension covers contests with the Boston Bruins on Thursday and the New York Rangers on Saturday, and he will not be eligible to return to action until January 13 when the Senators face the Carolina Hurricanes.

As a repeat offender, Ruutu will also forfeit $31,707.32 in salary, which is automatically added to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.