The NHL suspended Calgary Flames rookie Matthew Tkachuk two games for elbowing Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty.
The “reckless nature” of the elbow justified the Department of Player Safety’s decision to make this more than an in-game punishment.
Interestingly, the league didn’t mention an injury (or lack of injury) as a factor in the suspension:
The Flames lose Tkachuk for road games against the Capitals on Tuesday and Predators on Thursday. He can next play in Saturday’s away contest against the St. Louis Blues.
With Tkachuk out and Ferland highly questionable (didn't make trip to Washington), #Flames stretched pretty thin at forward for tomorrow.
— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) March 21, 2017
The suspension will set the rookie back $10,277.78.