NEW YORK -- The NHL has suspended Ottawa Senators defenceman Jared Cowen three games for his late hit to the head of Florida Panthers forward Jussi Jokinen.
The incident occurred at 4:38 of the second period of Ottawa's 4-1 home win over the Panthers on Saturday. Jokinen had skated into the Senators zone and completed a pass to a teammate when he was hit by Cowen.
Cowen was assessed a minor penalty for interference on the play. Jokinen was shaken up but returned to the game.
In a video on the NHL website, the league said the lateness of the hit plus the fact that Cowen's shoulder makes contact with Jokinen's head were factors in the suspension.
This is Cowen's second suspension of his career. He will forfeit US$113,414.64 in salary.
Cowen is eligible to return March 3 when the Senators visit the Minnesota Wild.
