Oilers’ Kassian suspended two games for altercation with Flames’ Tkachuk

Zack Kassian finally lost his cool after Matthew Tkachuk nailed him with another huge hit, resulting in the Oilers forward getting the better of his opponent in a one-sided fight.

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.

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