Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian was suspended two games on Monday for his role in a heated on-ice altercation with Calgary Flames winger Matthew Tkachuk.
In the second period of Saturday’s matchup between the Oilers and Flames, Kassian was on the receiving end of a hit from Tkachuk — the second questionable hit delivered from Tkachuk to Kassian that game. Kassian retaliated by punching Tkachuk and throwing him to the ice. While Tkachuk’s hit went unpenalized, Kassian was issued a double minor for roughing as well as a 10-minute misconduct for being the aggressor in the altercation. Tkachuk did not have a hearing for his role.
The feud between the two players also drew some strong words from Kassian post-game.
“He’s just a young punk that has to figure that aspect out in the game,” Kassian said of Tkachuk after Saturday’s game, a 4-3 Flames win. “It’s sad because he’s a pretty good player but he’s a (expletive).”
Kassian forfeits roughly $21,000 worth of salary as a result of the suspension.
[relatedlinks]
