Flames GM: We 'vehemently disagree' with Lucic's 2-game suspension

Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving is not pleased with the NHL's decision to suspend Milan Lucic two games for roughing Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kole Sherwood.

"I've got the utmost respect for George Parros and the department of player safety," Treliving said. "They do a great job. But on this one, we vehemently disagree."

Lucic landed a heavy sucker punch on Sherwood after the Jackets rookie tried to poke home a loose puck under goaltender David Rittich before the whistle. Lucic continued to get shots in after knocking Sherwood to the ice.

"I saw a player who poked, jabbed, whacked, speared, whatever you want to call it, the goaltender," Treliving said. "I think 31 teams around the league, if you do that to anybody, there is going to be a reaction."

Lucic received a double minor for roughing on the play. Treliving added he thought the on-ice officials handled the play correctly.

Lucic's history played a part in the league's decision. This is the fourth suspension of his career and he's been fined an additional five times. He's been suspended once and fined once for punches to the face of unwilling opponents since January 2016.

"We support our player 100 percent," Treliving continued. "We want our players to support each other, back each other up, and we felt that's what Milan was doing in this case."

Lucic has three points in 16 games this season and sits third in the league with 30 penalty minutes. Treliving acquired the 31-year-old enforcer along with a conditional third-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers this summer in exchange for James Neal.

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