Columbus Blue Jackets forward Derek MacKenzie made a bad hit Thursday night against the Phoenix Coyotes, and it didn’t take long for the NHL to respond.
MacKenzie boarded Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson during the Blue Jackets’ 2-0 win with a crushing hit from behind in the neutral zone. The league acted Friday, announcing that MacKenzie has been suspended for three games because of the hit.
While the hit didn’t draw a penalty during the game, it did draw the ire of Phoenix defenseman Keith Yandle, who jumped in and fought MacKenzie.
The hit left Ekman-Larsson dazed, and he went to the dressing room. He did not return after suffering an upper body injury.
See the NHL department of player safety video explanation of MacKenzie’s suspension below.
