Last weekend, Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk elbowed LA Kings defenseman Drew Doughty in the head. Tkachuk was suspended for two games and missed the Flames game against the Capitals in DC.
The Flames and the Kings met again Wednesday in Calgary. During warm-ups, Kyle Clifford had a pleasant conversation with Tkachuk. I’m sure they were exchanging muffin recipes. Definitely no threats of bodily harm or maternal expletives here.
Video
Tkachuk was stretching in neutral ice. Clifford joined him for a quick chit-chat. Then Deryk Engelland postured to protect his rookie and so a crowd formed, totaling nine players.
It appears the Kings are still not happy with Tkachuck’s elbow. On March 19, while skating behind the Kings bench, Tkachuk popped his elbow up right into Doughty’s head.
The NHL Player Safety video explained that Tkachuk delivered the strike directly to Doughty’s face in a reckless nature. He did not serve a penalty on the elbowing, but sat for roughing against Derek Forbort.
After the game, Doughty told the media that he thinks Tkachuk is a “pretty dirty player” and was surprised that a rookie would play that way.
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: pic.twitter.com/D1TIuogKPB
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) March 20, 2017
Earlier today, Tkachuk said that he was surprised by the comments from Doughty. “I expected more from him, honestly, than to go right to the media and start complaining after a loss,” Tkachuk told the Calgary Sun.
It’s safe to say tonights game may be really, REALLY interesting.
9:58pm Update: It is going swimmingly.
11:00pm Update: LA Kings’ Andy Andreoff is hitting the showers a bit early tonight.
