Panthers’ Matheson to have hearing for hit on Canucks’ Pettersson

Travis Green talks with the media about why he thinks Mike Matheson slamming Elias Pettersson to the ice was a dirty play.

Florida Panthers defenceman Michael Matheson will have a phone hearing with the NHL supplemental discipline department Monday for his hit on Vancouver Canucks rookie Elias Pettersson.

Matheson hit Pettersson and drove him into the ice early in the third period of Saturday’s game. The 19-year-old Swede appeared woozy and had to be assisted to the locker room. Matheson did not receive a penalty on the play.

Canucks coach Travis Green didn’t mince his words after the game, referring to Matheson’s actions as “dirty.”

“It’s a dirty play,” Green said. “The league’s trying to protect the good, young players and that’s just a dirty play.”

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