Panthers' Tkachuk suspended 2 games for high-sticking Kings' Quick

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk has been suspended two games for high-sticking Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick on Saturday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Sunday.

The incident occurred in the final minute of the Kings' 5-4 victory. Tkachuk appeared to poke his stick into Quick's mask, which drew the ire of the veteran puck-stopper's teammates once the final buzzer sounded.

Matthew Tkachuk appears to poke his stick into the mask of Jonathan Quick and chaos ensues shortly after. pic.twitter.com/ov5fhrpbbI

- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 6, 2022

Here's a closer look at the moment Tkachuk made contact:

Matthew Tkachuk gets his stick inside Jonathan's Quick mask near the end of the game pic.twitter.com/kdBkDu9TeQ

- Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) November 6, 2022

Tkachuk received a 10-minute misconduct and a minor for goaltender interference.

"You can look at the video. It's a dirty play," Kings defenseman Matt Roy said after the game, according to The Athletic's Eric Stephens. "You can see him poke (Quick) in the eye there.

"Hopefully, the league takes a look at it. It's a dirty play. Hopefully, the video gets out and they can look at it."

Tkachuk often got under the Kings' skin when he was a member of the Calgary Flames. He was suspended for two games in 2017 after elbowing Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty.

The agitator has five goals and 12 assists in 12 games this season. His 17 points lead the Panthers.

Tkachuk will miss Florida's games against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday and the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. He is eligible to return to the lineup Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.

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