Calgary Flames defenceman Chris Tanev has responded in disagreement to Connor McDavid saying he made a “dangerous play” during a pre-season game versus the Edmonton Oilers Monday night.
As the Oilers captain drove down the right side and cut towards the net late in the third period of the team’s 4-3 win, Tanev, the last man back on defence, made an attempt to stop McDavid but got his stick caught between his legs, causing the superstar to slide into a collision with Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom.
Tanev says he was just trying to play the puck.
“He’s on a partial breakaway, I’m trying to get the puck and it’s obviously unfortunate he gets tripped up and goes into the goalie,” said the defenceman on Thursday.
McDavid ended up scoring on the play after forward Jesse Puljujarvi’s shot ricocheted off him and in. The Hart Memorial Trophy winner wasn’t satisfied after the game, though.
In 2018-19, McDavid was tripped by former Flames captain Mark Giordano while driving to the net and suffered a torn PCL in his left knee, as well as a torn meniscus on both sides of the knee, a cracked fibula and a popliteus muscle that was torn right off the bone.
He spoke up for both himself and Markstrom following the game Monday after Tanev’s similar play sent him flying into the net.
“Obviously they have the right to defend their net and defend me trying to get in there but when the stick kinda comes into the feet there like Tanev’s did it’s a dangerous play for me and the goalie,” McDavid said. “I think you’d like to see that called a little more.”
Tanev is known for being a solid, stay-at-home blueliner, but came to his own defence on Thursday to remind people he doesn’t have a history of being a dirty player.
“Anyone who has watched me play knows I’m a pretty honest player,” said Tanev. “I take maybe three or four minors a year. I don’t think I’m going out there trying to hurt people. I’m trying to play the puck. I hit the puck with my stick. He’s trying to jump over me as well… it’s unfortunate.”
Over 11 NHL seasons, Tanev has only accumulated 127 penalty minutes. The most he’s ever recorded in a season is 41, and last season he spent six minutes in the box — which amounts to three minor penalties — playing in all 56 games.
Tanev has never been suspended in 570 career games.
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