San Jose's Dany Heatley handed two-game ban for elbow

The offense happened during the third period of San Jose's 6-3 win over the Stars on Tuesday and could prove costly for the Sharks (40-23-8), who are third in the Western Conference and in the midst of a tight Pacific Division race.

Both the Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes trail San Jose by just three points with other divisional challengers also lurking.

Heatley has 24 goals, 34 assists and is second on the team in points. He will miss contests against Minnesota and St Louis before being eligible to return on March 23 against Calgary.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)