The NHL has suspended rookie Dane Byers one game for his match penalty in last night's 4 - 1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Head Coach John Tortorella receives a $10,000 suspension automatically due to the penalty.

In a period reminiscent of the cult movie Slap Shot, 14 penalties were assessed during the third period, thanks primarily to a major scrum during a line change near the benches. 

Six players all received penalties at the 4:21 mark.

During the scrum, players were also going back-and-forth on the bench, including Sean Avery. Avery and Shane O' Brien exchanged verbal blows before O' Brien took his stick and prodded at Avery.

Despite the glut of officials in the area, no penalty was assessed to O'Brien. The NHL, however, has begun looking into possible discipline.

At the heart of the incident was Byers, who exemplified the tough side to his game as well as his improved skating. Following his major penalty, Byers sought out the Canucks' Tanner Glass and was called for an instigator, roughing, fighting, and misconduct penalty.

However, Byers play was one of the few inspired performances of the night.

Vancouver was able to shutdown scorer Marian Gaborik while playing an overall smart defensive zone game. Similar to New Jersey's style of play, the Canucks waited for the Rangers to make a mistake and then capitalized on the other end.

The Rangers were outshot on the evening 30 - 23 and their power play could not rescue the lack of offense.

New York immediately travelled to Edmonton following the game where they will face the Oilers tomorrow night. Game time is 9:30 pm EST.