Calgary Flames rookie Matthew Tkachuk was suspended two games on Monday for an elbowing incident against the Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty on Sunday night.
On Tuesday, the Flames issued a brief statement from general manager Brad Treliving regarding the suspension.
“While we are disappointed with the League’s verdict, we nonetheless respect the process and that the League has issued its ruling,” said Treliving. “Both the Flames and Matthew accept the decision. Our sole focus now is on preparing for our game tonight in Washington, while Matthew will spend the next few days getting ready to return to the line-up on Saturday in St. Louis.”
The incident happened late in the first period of the Flames’ 5-2 win. Doughty was extremely critical of Tkachuk following the game on Sunday, saying “he’s a pretty dirty player, that kid.”
Flames coach Glen Gulutzan thought the play appeared to be a “reverse hit.”
Tkachuk, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 draft, has been one of the top rookies in the NHL this season with 46 points (13 goals, 33 assists) in 68 games with the Flames. He has been a big part of the Flames’ bounce back season that has them in a position to return to the playoffs. They are 14-2-1 in their past 17 games and have been one of the hottest teams in the league over the past month.