Flames’ Matthew Tkachuk suspended two games for elbowing Doughty

Matthew Tkachuk got away with something here after dropping Drew Doughty with an elbow directly to the face. No penalty on the play.

Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk was suspended two games on Monday night for elbowing Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty.

The incident occurred late in first period of Calgary’s 5-2 victory over the Kings on Sunday. Doughty didn’t have possession of the puck when Tkachuk raised his elbow into Doughty’s face.

In the video released by the NHL Department of Player Safety explaining the suspension, the league says that the wrecklessness of the hit merited the suspension. The video also says that Tkachuk argued that he was protecting the puck and had no intention of striking Doughty.

Doughty didn’t mince words after the game when asked his thoughts on the hit.

Jon Rosen on Twitter

Doughty, on the Tkachuk hit: “He’s a pretty dirty player, that kid.” His quotes on the play at the end of the first period:

Tkachuk will forfeit $10,277.78 due to the suspension which goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The 19-year-old rookie has 13 goals and 33 assists in 68 games for the Flames this season. Tkachuk will miss Calgary’s road games against the Washington Capitals, on Tuesday, and Nashville Predators, on Thursday.

The Flames (41-27-4) are currently third in the Pacific Division with 10 games remaining in the regular season.

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