Blue Jackets’ MacKenzie suspended 3 games for boarding Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Congratulations are in order for Derek Mackenzie, who on Friday became the first NHL player suspended in 2014.

His crime? Boarding Oliver Ekman-Larsson during Thursday night’s game between the Phoenix Coyotes and Mackenzie’s Blue Jackets. His time? Three games.

My opinion: Stupid shot. The ban is deserved.

Patrick Burke’s take is a bit more nuanced. As he explains in the video, there are three things that make it hangable.

Mackenzie can’t see anything beyond the OEL numbers, first, and second, the Coyote defender doesn’t turn around or make any movement that could result in a dangerous face-first into the boards.

“Despite all this,” says Burke, “Mackenzie not only completes the check, but does so with considerable force.”

No joke. Look how he throws his weight behind this hit. Any time you see a guy go to such great lengths to make a blatantly illegal check, a suspension is almost certain.

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Harrison Mooney

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