Florida

Panthers' Matheson Suspended for Two Games for Slamming Canucks' Pettersson

Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson was suspended for two games for interference and unsportsmanlike conduct on Monday

Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson was hit with a two-game suspension from the National Hockey League on Monday.

Matheson was suspended for interference and unsportsmanlike conduct for his actions in Saturday night's contest. Matheson slammed Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks to the ice during the game. Pettersson ended up in the concussion protocol and will miss 7-10 days.

Matheson was not issued a penalty during the game, but the NHL still held a hearing for the incident. After reviewing the particulars, the league decided that a suspension was warranted. The NHL's Department of Player Safety made the official announcement of the suspension.

The 24-year-old defenseman has played in parts of four seasons for Florida and is considered a big core piece. Matheson signed a long-term deal and is locked up through the 2025-26 campaign.

Pettersson is an exciting rookie and it is possible that his injury factored into the suspension decision. The 19-year old already has eight points in five games and has opened eyes league-wide. Canucks head coach Travis Green called the hit on Pettersson a "dirty play" and hoped for a suspension to come down on Florida's defenseman.

Florida is 0-2-1 and is currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Panthers will next be in action on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

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