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Photo: NBCSports Boston

By: Lauren Campbell | Follow on Twitter: @lalalalaurrrren

On Wednesday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Boston Bruins forward David Backes has been suspended for three games after his hit on Detroit Red Wings center Frans Nielsen.

The hit came late in the first period after Backes made contact with Nielsen’s head with his shoulder while Nielsen did not have possession of the puck.

Backes will forfeit $96,774.18 over the course of those three games.

The team is already without defenseman Charlie McAvoy (MCL sprain), center Patrice Bergeron (fractured foot) and goalie Tuukka Rask (undisclosed minor injury).

In 848-career games, Backes has never been fined or suspended. He will be eligible to return March 13 against the Carolina Hurricanes.