Derek Mackenzie suspended three games for hit on Coyotes’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Jan 3, 2014, 8:01 PM | Updated: 8:02 pm

Arizona Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be without the services of center Derek MacKenzie for three games after he was suspended for boarding Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

MacKenzie boarded Ekman-Larsson with just over 11 minutes remaining in the first period. A video explanation said that MacKenzie’s hit was deemed worthy of a suspension because he drove through Ekman-Larsson’s back in an very unsafe manner.

OEL was injured on the play and didn’t return to the game. Head coach Dave Tippett said the young Swedish star is considered day-to-day with an upper body injury (no surprise given the force of the hit) and is questionable for Saturday’s clash with the Philadelphia Flyers in Glendale.

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Phoenix Coyotes' Sami Lepisto, left, of Finland, and teammate Keith Yandle celebrate a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Columbus Blue Jackets' R.J. Umberger, left, and Phoenix Coyotes' Scottie Upshall fight for a loose puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Columbus Blue Jackets' Mike Commodore, right, checks Phoenix Coyotes' Shane Doan during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Columbus Blue Jackets' Fedor Tyutin, right, of Russia, clears the puck past Phoenix Coyotes' Lauri Korpikoski, of Finland, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Columbus Blue Jackets' Antoine Vermette, right, tries to redirect the puck as Phoenix Coyotes' Jason LaBarbera makes a save during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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