Canucks' Burrows suspended 3 games for hit on Canadiens' Emelin

Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows has been suspended for three games for his late hit to the head of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin during Thursday's contest.

The NHL Department of Player Safety explained the reasoning behind the suspension in a video:

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

While Burrows has been fined four times previously, this is the first suspension of his NHL career. He will be eligible to return to Vancouver's lineup next Thursday against the San Jose Sharks.

Canucks general manager Jim Benning issued a statement saying the team respects the league's decision even though they weren't expecting a three-game length.