Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan has been suspended three games by the National Hockey League for his late, blindside hit on Dan Sexton of the Anaheim Ducks Sunday night.
Doan hit Sexton in the third period of the game with an open-ice check in the neutral zone after Sexton had already gotten rid of the puck.
Sexton was not injured and stayed in the game.
''Doan delivered a late hit from the blind side to the head of an unsuspecting opponent,'' said NHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. ''While it was fortunate that Sexton did not suffer an injury, the message should be clear that this is the type of hit that we want out of our game.''
Doan will forfeit $73,387.11 in salary as a result of delivering the hit.
Earlier in the game, Doan hit Ducks rookie defenceman Cam Fowler hard into the boards and caused Fowler to leave the game with a facial injury. The Ducks' first-round draft choice suffered a broken nose. He is expected to accompany the team on the upcoming road trip and is probable for Wednesday's game in Columbus.
The 34-year-old Doan has only missed 11 regular season games since the lockout, all due to injury.
