New York Islanders captain John Tavares took exception to a hit from Marek Zidlicky late in the third period Monday night and responded with a spear to the midsection of the Devils defenseman.
Tavares was assessed a minor penalty for slashing despite an obvious spear.
Zidlicky said Tavares speared him in the stomach. "I don't think it was necessary. I don't know what to say. It is what it is."
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) December 16, 2014
Zidlicky said Tavares’ spear hurt him “a little bit the first couple seconds. He hit my stomach, but I’m OK.”
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) December 16, 2014