Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov is facing potential supplementary discipline after delivering a dangerous knee-on-knee hit to Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. The incident occurred during Monday’s matchup between the Lightning and the Panthers in a heated game between two rivals. This hit makes it fairly clear this rivalry will only intensify.
Kucherov received a major penalty and a game misconduct for the hit. Tkachuk needed help off the ice, but returned shortly after.
Some were wondering if Tkachuk being helped off the ice following the collision was a little bit of acting. He might have tried to sell the severity of the hit. Still, it was severe. Mark Lazerus of The Athletic called the hit “dirty” and added, “I’ve never liked that the league legislates the result of the hit and not the hit itself.” He insinuated that Kucherov might get away with our discipline because Tkachuk wasn’t seriously hurt.
Should Kucherov Be Suspended for the Hit?
There was a fairly loud contingent of fans on social media calling Kucherov one of the more unknown dirty players in the game. Those fans believed this hit proved it. And, while Tkachuk has his detractors, there has been an outpouring of calls for player safety to prioritize dirty hits. Even if the injured player avoids long-term harm, the punishment should be severe; at least enough to remove those kinds of plays from the game.
Looking back at the hit, it’s hard to argue against the idea it was intentional.
They debate whether Kucherov should face further disciplinary action from the NHL, which will be a fascinating storyline to watch over the holiday break. Does a big star get the same kind of treatment as a lesser star? Does the NHL Department of Player Safety deem this was something worthy of a fine? Or does a harsher message need to be sent?
Kucherov’s reputation but no previous suspension history. And, with the NHL’s history of inconsistently punishing reckless hits, it’s hard to know where this goes. The league must now determine if supplementary discipline is warranted. Undoubtedly, people on either side of this won’t be happy with the result.
