Ferland thinks hit on Dowd was clean, doesn't warrant suspension

In Micheal Ferland's opinion, he did nothing wrong Saturday.

The Carolina Hurricanes forward defended himself after he was handed a match penalty for a hit on Nic Dowd in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Washington Capitals.

"I thought it was a clean hit and I don't agree with the call," Ferland told reporters postgame, according to the Raleigh News and Observer's Chip Alexander. "I don't think I deserve to be suspended. I take pride in my game (and) in being a clean hitter. I never want to hurt anybody."

Ferland was ejected early in the second period.

Micheal Ferland given a five minute match penalty for a high hit on Nic Dowd. #CapsCanes pic.twitter.com/btMANidGKa

- NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) April 13, 2019

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour insisted later on the broadcast that the hit wasn't to Dowd's head.

Carolina rallied to tie the game without Ferland but Washington prevailed in overtime on Brooks Orpik's winner.

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