Anxious moments for the L.A. Kings on Sunday after Drew Doughty was hit in the head with an elbow from Calgary Flames rookie Matthew Tkachuk.
The incident occurred late in the first period behind the goal line, as Doughty went to check Tkachuk, who, with his back turned to the Kings defender, threw up the left elbow, sending Doughty to the ice.
After slowly getting to his feet, Doughty did return in the second period.
Tkachuk has been productive in his freshman campaign but he also plays a sometimes nasty game, too, with 94 penalty minutes heading into this contest. In January, he, along with teammate Sam Bennett, was accused of slew-footing in a loss to Toronto.
There was no penalty for the elbow in this case, however Tkachuk and Derek Forbort each received roughing minors for the ensuing scuffle.
Early indication is this incident could get the attention of the league’s Department of Player Safety.
Player Safety will take a long hard look at Matthew Tkachuk's hard bump-back elbow to Drew Doughty. Flames play Tuesday in Washington.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) March 20, 2017