Nikita Kucherov learns his fate after dirty hit on Matthew Tkachuk
In last night's game between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, Matthew Tkachuk had to be helped off the ice after a dirty knee-on-knee shot by Nikita Kuchervov.
Tkachuk was reaching for a puck in a vulnerable position, and Kucherov laid into him with full force. Kucherov was given a 5 minute major and game misconduct penalty.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, After the collision, Tkachuk immediately left the game for medical attention in the Panthers locker room, but he did eventually return to finish the game.
The NHL has always been one of the most physical leagues in the world, but sometimes it gets taken way too far with illegal hits, and we saw yet another example of that on Monday night.
-Liam McCormick
As much as Oilers fans have grown to hate Matthew Tkachuk over the years, it's never fun to see an NHL player go down as result of a dirty hit.
NHL decides Kucherov's fate
According to Blade of Steel, Since the deadline of 5pm EST has passed, the NHL's Department of Player Safety appears to have made a decision and not suspend Nikita Kucherov.
Over his career, Nikita Kucherov hasn't necessarily been known to be a malicious player, but instances like this have occurred in the past.
As it stands, Matthew Tkachuk has thankfully avoided a serious injury and will be good to go after the holidays.
