This is simply the case of an elite player getting under the skin of a role player who has a big ego, small temper, and little intelligence. Tkachuk absolutely targeted Kassian and with good reason as the results went exactly as expected. Kassian cost his team an extremely valuable two points simply because he could not keep his emotions in check. This is not a new or surprising development with this player.
Tkachuk is a #### disturber there is no denying that - he is a player that everyone loves to hate because he is so successful at what he does. It's so funny seeing the hypocrisy being displayed from all the Oiler fans who went after Lucic for punching Sherwood one time with his glove on for taking runs at Calgary's top players, but are outright defending Kassian for going complete ape#### on Tkachuk and legitimately trying to hurt him. Horse Collaring and attempting to punch a player in the back of the head are pure attempts to significantly injure a player.
The first Tkachuk hit was a borderline charge, and if it were called that way I would not have had an overwhelming issue with that - I don't agree however that it was a headshot at all like many pundits are claiming. The refs could have managed everything better - but to no surprise they didn't. I also put the onus on Kassian for continually putting himself in those positions with Tkachuk on the ice - you have to be more aware out there especially if it has already happened to you twice in the same game - but again that comes back to my point about his intelligence.
I think a 3 game suspension is a fair number all things considered.
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