Senators' Jared Cowen suspended 3 games for late hit
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen has been suspended three games for a late hit on the Florida Panthers' Jussi Jokinen, coach Dave Cameron said Monday.
In the second period of the Senators' 4-1 win over the Panthers on Saturday, Cowen appeared to strike Jokinen late and in the head after the Panthers winger passed the puck just beyond the blue line. Jokinen remained on the ice for several moments, and Cowen was penalized a two-minute minor for interference. Jokinen returned to the game after a few shifts.
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The ruling comes after Cowen was slated to have a player safety hearing with the NHL on Monday. Cowen was also suspended two games in December 2013 for hitting Buffalo Sabres center ZemgusGirgensons in the head.
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The Senators (24-23-10) begin a three-game West Coast swing on Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks before facing the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.
- Mike Fiammetta