Jared Cowen will sit against the Sabres on Thursday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Jared Cowen suspended 2 games for hit on Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons

BUFFALO – The NHL has suspended Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen two games for an illegal check to Zemgus Girgensons’ head late in the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout win Tuesday.

In a video explaining the ban, NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan noted that while Cowen had tucked in his elbow, he drove his left shoulder into Girgensons’ head, the main point of contact, as the winger entered the Ottawa zone. Girgensons made no sudden movements, Shanahan said.

Girgensons stayed in the game, scoring the 10th-round shootout winner.

Cowen hasn’t been fined or suspended in his 121-game NHL career. He forfeits $31,794.88 in salary. The Sabres play Thursday in Ottawa.

Related: Sabres overcome blown call, adversity to beat Senators in shootout

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