Ducks' D Pronger suspended 8 games for stomping on leg of Canucks C Ryan Kesler

TORONTO (AP) -Upon further review, Chris Pronger's stomp on the leg of Vancouver center Ryan Kesler could not go unpunished.

The NHL kicked back at Anaheim's All-Star defenseman on Saturday, suspending him for eight games - a ban that won't expire until the final day of the regular season.

Pronger was to begin serving his eighth career suspension on Saturday night when the defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks hosted the St. Louis Blues.

"First, I apologize to Ryan Kesler. Second, to the Vancouver Canucks organization, third, to the Anaheim Ducks organization, the league and the fans," Pronger said after receiving his longest suspension. "They obviously deserve an apology as well.

"There is not a place for these types of instances in our game."

It is a critical blow to Anaheim, which began the day in third place in the Pacific Division, one point behind Dallas and four short of San Jose. Pronger is eligible to return April 6 for the regular-season finale against Phoenix.

During Anaheim's 4-1 victory over the Canucks on Wednesday, Pronger and Kesler became tangled behind the Vancouver net. As Pronger turned to head back up ice, he stepped on Kesler's leg as the Canucks forward lay on the ice.

No penalty was called on the play, and the NHL said a proper video angle wasn't available until Thursday night.

The punishment was handed down hours after Pronger had a phone hearing with NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell.

"In attempting to free himself, Pronger carelessly and recklessly brought his foot down," Campbell said in a statement.

Kesler, who wasn't injured, said he was fine with the judgment.

"I think the league does a good job of suspensions," Kesler said Saturday night after Vancouver's 4-3 victory in Dallas. "I think it's fair. It's time to move on."

Pronger said he wasn't surprised by the decision.