Montreal Canadiens defenseman Douglas Murray hasn’t ever been suspended by the NHL despite a lengthy career of heavy hits, but Tuesday’s match penalty infraction on Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Michael Kostka might change that.
Video is only available via this TSN link for now, but Next Impulse’s Pete Blackburn captured it in GIF form:
There hasn’t been an update yet on the condition of Kostka, 28, but it sounds like the situation could have been worse.
Mike Kostka takes a hit from Montreal player. Game is halted as stretcher is brought onto the ice.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 2, 2014
Kostka gets up under his own power and skates off the ice onto the bench before making his way to the locker room.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 2, 2014
Again, Murray, 34, hasn’t ever been suspended at the NHL level.
FYI. Douglas Murray was never suspended in the NHL. #canadiens #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) April 2, 2014
The Lightning went on to win Tuesday’s game 3-1, with both teams clinching playoff spots in the process. Here’s how the Lightning’s clinching win/Montreal’s loss affects the 2014 NHL Draft:
#Habs have clinched a playoff berth; #Isles get their second-round pick.
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) April 2, 2014
#Isles give their fifth-round pick to Montreal.
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) April 2, 2014