Cowen suspended two games for illegal check

NEW YORK -- Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen has been suspended for two games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons during NHL Game No. 458 in Buffalo on Tuesday, Dec. 10, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 18:03 of the third period. No penalty was assessed to Cowen on the play.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Cowen will forfeit $31,794.88. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=508375&lang=en.