Jared Cowen Suspended For 3 Games

After word leaked Sunday that Jared Cowen had a phone hearing for his hit on Florida's Jussi Jokinen the previous day, a suspension was always a possibility. Here's the hit:

Word came down Monday morning that the blueliner had been suspended for three games:

Dave Cameron just informed us that Jared Cowen has received a 3-game suspension.

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) February 23, 2015

This is not surprising given several factors. The hit was quite late and assessed a two-minute interference penalty on during the game. While it's hard to pinpoint, it looked to some live, including those announcing, that Cowen made contact with Jokinen's head. Finally, Cowen has an established discipline record, having been suspended last season for an illegal head check. Given that this incident is the same type of illegal hit he's been penalized for before, that history probably played a factor in the length of his suspension.

For what it's worth, Cowen doesn't agree with the length of suspension:

Jared Cowen on suspension: "I'm disappointed. I think 3 games is a bit much. I didn't hurt anyone and I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) February 23, 2015

It's a fairly stock answer from a player after hearing he's been suspended and to be honest, I don't really expect to hear something more thoughtful. Cowen correctly points out that the league does take injury into account when making such determinations; however, whether he was trying to hurt someone is not the point. Regardless, it seems like a pretty fair suspension and Sens fans have readily accepted it largely due to not wanting Cowen in the line-up.

Who takes his spot? Well, for those of you wondering if Chris Phillips, who we haven't seen for most of the month, would draw back in, think again:

FWIW - Chris Phillips will not accompany the team on their upcoming road trip.

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) February 23, 2015

If Phillips is battling some sort of injury or fatigue this makes some sense, but if he's not this is a somewhat interesting development. Still, it could just be to fit all the extra bodies on the plane for the west coast trip. Colin Greening was called up yesterday to play the role of 13th forward but could see some game time:

Dave Cameron also says he expects Colin Greening to play on this west coast trip.

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) February 23, 2015

That development is probably upsetting to some Sens fans, though there was some good news on the extra body front, as the Sens will be taking three goalies to California. Craig Anderson, who hasn't played or practiced with the team in over a month, joined his teammates on the ice for practice today and will be going on the California trip. As there are still concerns over Andy's health, Andrew Hammond and Chris Dreidger will also be making the trip:

Hammond, Driedger and Andesron will go on road

— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) February 23, 2015

This means that Robin Lehner isn't well enough to make the trip, despite the rumblings he might come off IR this week. Andy would like to get some game time in:

Craig Anderson says that he will make the west coast trip. But no guarantees he will play.

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) February 23, 2015

Update : The NHL's Department of Player Safety has released their decision for this suspension. You can watch the video embedded below.

Do you agree with the Jared Cowen suspension?