THE CANADIAN PRESS
NEW YORK -- Columbus Blue Jackets forward Dane Byers was suspended three games by the NHL on Monday after hitting San Jose Sharks centre Andrew Desjardins in the head.
The play occurred during the second period of Saturday's game in Columbus and resulted in Byers receiving a match penalty.
NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan ruled that it was in violation of Rule 48 governing hits to the head.
"Byers is in position to make a full bodycheck in which Desjardins' shoulder or chest will be the principal point of contact," said Shanahan. "However, Byers rises up and finishes high upon impact driving his left shoulder up and into Desjardins' head."
Byers will forfeit US$8,918.91 in salary.
It was the second suspension of his brief NHL career.
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