Flyers' Tom Sestito banned four games for hit from behind

(Reuters) - Philadelphia Flyers forward Tom Sestito has been suspended four games without pay for delivering a hit from behind during a preseason game, the National Hockey League (NHL) said on Wednesday.

Sestito was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding after hitting New York Rangers forward Andre Deveaux from behind and driving him into the glass during a game on Monday.

The 24-year-old winger will miss his team's remaining two preseason games and the first two of the 2011-12 NHL season. He is eligible to return October 8 at New Jersey, the NHL said in a statement.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Steve Keating)