GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 29: Jamie Oleksiak #$2 of the Dallas Stars and Christian Dvorakl #18 of the Arizona Coyotes scuffle as linesman Ryan Gibbons #58 steps in to separate during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Gila River Arena on December 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona.

Coyotes' Stepan in concussion protocol following high hit from Oleksiak

Josh Wegman
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Norm Hall / National Hockey League / Getty

Arizona Coyotes forward Derek Stepan entered the concussion protocol after Sunday's game against the Dallas Stars following a high hit from Jamie Oleksiak, head coach Rick Tocchet said postgame, according to The Athletic's Craig Morgan.

Oleksiak was initially handed a five-minute major on the play, but it was reduced to a two-minute minor upon further review.

The review process is new, and it was instituted this season after Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin was wrongfully given a five-minute major in the playoffs against the Sharks, sparking San Jose's unforgettable comeback in Game 7 last spring.

The Stars scored four unanswered goals to defeat the Coyotes 4-2 on Sunday.

Stepan has struggled offensively this season while recording just 12 points in 41 games.

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