Panthers coach suspended

Coach Doug MacLean has been suspended for two games without pay, and fined $5,000 as a result of a confrontation with officials, the NHL announced Tuesday.

The incident occurred at the conclusion of the overtime period in Saturday's game between Buffalo and Florida.

In the overtime, Panthers goalie Mark Fitzpatrick appeared to stop a shot from Dixon Ward. The puck then slipped out and was accidentally nudged in by Panthers defenseman Rhett Warrener.

MacLean thought the whistle should have been blown and immediately hopped over the boards, storming toward rookie referee Dennis Larue. He was restrained by three of his players.

"Mr. MacLean's behavior in pursuing referee Dennis LaRue on the ice at the end of the game was clearly unacceptable," said Brian Burke, NHL director of hockey operations. "Mr. MacLean's verbal abuse as well as his attempt to get at the referee and his contact with a linesman warrants this disciplinary action."

MacLean will miss the Panthers' next two games, Wednesday vs. New Jersey and Thursday at Buffalo.