GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- New York Rangers rookie left winger Carl Hagelin was suspended three games by the NHL for hitting Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson up high with an elbow in Game 2 on Saturday night.

NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan called the hit, which occurred at 10:28 of the second period during the Senators' 3-2 overtime victory over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden, "a reckless strike to the side of Alfredsson's head."

Also suspended Sunday was Senators defenseman Matt Carkner, who was banned one game for going after Rangers center Brian Boyle 2:15 into the first period of Game 2.

Hagelin texted Alfredsson after the game and apologized for the hit.

"I sent him a text yesterday that said I'm sorry and I'm very regretful for what happened," Hagelin said after Sunday's practice.

Hagelin had a 1:30 p.m. ET hearing with Shanahan over the hit.

"I'm not allowed to talk about it; we'll see what happens," Hagelin said of the hearing. "Whatever decision they make, I have to face it."

The Rangers released a statement stating they would not pursue an appeal, but said that they were "thoroughly perplexed in the ruling's inconsistency with other supplementary discipline decisions that have been made throughout this season and during the playoffs."

Hagelin was assessed a five-minute elbowing major as a result of hitting Alfredsson hard in the corner. Alfredsson left the game and did not return.

"I tried to finish my check and he chipped it out and kind of went back a bit. So my elbow came up, so his stick kind of came up in my face and I kind of moved my head back a bit and my elbow kind of hit him in the head," Hagelin said. "I just hope he's doing well and that he can play [Monday night]."

Shanahan, though, didn't buy it.

"Although Alfredsson's stick comes up briefly prior to contact, we do not feel this is a reasonable excuse for the elbow that took place," Shanahan said in a video released by the league.

Shanahan said it was important to note that Alfredsson suffered an injury as a result of the play. He also said the fact that Hagelin had never been fined or suspended in his one-year NHL career was taken into account.

Both players grew up in Sweden, and Hagelin said Alfredsson was "one of my favorite players. I had no intention to hurt him."

The 23-year-old Hagelin plays with center Brad Richards and right winger Marian Gaborik on New York's top line.

In two playoff games, Hagelin's had one assist. In 64 regular-season games, he had 14 goals and 24 assists.

With Hagelin out of the lineup for Games 3, 4 and 5, there is a possibility that the Rangers could dress 20-year-old rookie Chris Kreider and allow him to make his NHL debut. Enforcer John Scott would be another candidate to enter the lineup.