Ottawa Senators defenceman Jared Cowen has been suspended three games after a hit to the head of Florida Panthers forward Jussi Jokinen during a game on Saturday.

Early in the second period, Cowen got an elbow up on Jokinen and was assessed a two-minute minor for interference on the play. Jokinen stayed down for some time, but left the ice under his own power and later returned to the game.

The suspension is the second of the 24-year-old's career. Cowen was banned for two games in December, 2013 for an illegal check to the head of Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons.

In 48 games this season with the Senators, the Saskatoon native has three goals and six assists.