NEW YORK (AP) — New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin has been suspended by the NHL for two games for a blind-side check to the head of Phoenix forward Vernon Fiddler.

The league announced the penalty Monday. Martin is slated to sit out Wednesday against Tampa Bay and Thursday at New Jersey. He can return to the lineup Sunday when the Islanders host Montreal.

Martin was given a minor penalty for charging when he hit Fiddler in the first period Saturday.

Martin has two goals, no assists and 37 penalty minutes in 22 games this season. The suspension will cost him $6,792.12 in salary. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.