What Tkachuk did was dumb and he probably deserves to be suspended for it.
With that being said, I have no issues with him playing the role of a dirty player. When he steps on the ice the opposition is either going to be worried about what Tkachuk might do, ie. slash, spear, butt end, slew foot, elbow, or they will be wanting to make sure they show this kid what's what and vengeance on the link and probably take a penalty doing it. Either way they aren't thinking about hockey and that's great for Tkachuk and his teammates because now he might get that extra half second of space to make something happen or he might draw that extra penalty that turns the game in Calgary's favour.
Players used to these type of things all the time back in the day.
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