By Victor Chi, SJ Mercury News

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On the other hand, the Sharks could also be down a defenseman again.

Early in the first period, defenseman Bryan Marchment received a five-minute major for kneeing Montreal's Martin Rucinsky and was ejected with a game misconduct. Rucinsky sustained a contusion to his left thigh and did not return.

After suspensions to Nolan and Stuart this season, the Sharks must hold their breath to see whether the NHL will interject supplemental discipline against Marchment.

The penalty call against Marchment enraged Sharks General Manager Dean Lombardi, who waved a rule book after the game in making his case.

``Rule 71,'' Lombardi said. ``Kneeing. It says right here: distinct movement of the knee. You look at the replay and tell me that was distinct movement.''

After that terse assessment, Lombardi snapped the rule book shut and waved his hand in disgust.

Because Marchment got the early heave-ho from the referees, Suter was forced to log more than 22 minutes in his first game back.

But if the league does ring up Marchment for a game or two, the Sharks have incoming blue-line help after acquiring Jeff Norton from Pittsburgh on Monday.

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