EDMONTON, Alberta _ Penguins forward Tom Sestito said Friday he disagrees with the NHL's ruling to suspend him four games for a hit on Winnipeg defenseman Toby Enstrom Wednesday.
"I've got no choice but to serve them," Sestito said after the Penguins' morning skate Friday. "Take it in stride and go from there."
The NHL ruled that Sestito's first-period hit on Enstrom constituted boarding. At the time, Sestito was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Enstrom left the game and has been diagnosed with a concussion.
Sestito said he thought Enstrom saw him coming, even though his back was turned.
"When I was going in for the puck, I saw him look over his shoulder," Sestito said. "We made eye contact, so I knew he knew I was coming. I thought he would take the hit. It happens quick out there.
"I know they analyze it frame-by-frame and it looks like I could've changed directions, but in my mind I thought he saw it coming. I don't mean for him to get hurt. I hope he (has) a great recovery, fast recovery."
Sestito added that, in situations like that, he felt the onus should be on the player with the puck to be aware of his position on the ice.
"Maybe I can avoid (it) somehow and go into the boards somehow, but I thought he made eye contact with me so he knew I was coming," he said.
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan backed up his player but did not offer any specific thoughts on the league's ruling.
"He brings a physical element to his game," Sullivan said. "But I know that his intent, and we know that his intent was not to injure. But certainly the league, it's their prerogative to make their rulings the way they see fit, and we'll be respectful of it."
