The Blue Jackets forward knocked Ekman-Larsson out of the game on Thursday.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Derek MacKenzie's actions on Thursday night hurt both the Phoenix Coyotes' best player and his chances of playing the next few games.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson was injured on Thursday when MacKenzie checked him hard into the boards eight minutes into the first period. No penalty was called on the play, but Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle immediately engaged MacKenzie in a fight. Both were sent to the penalty box for five minutes.
Ekman-Larsson left the game and did not return. MacKenzie will have an in-person hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Friday afternoon.
Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said after the game that Ekman-Larsson "looked okay" and is day-to-day. MacKenzie has never been suspended before, but an in-person hearing allows the NHL to suspend a player for more than five games. MacKenzie has just four points in 33 games this season.
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