I've been really shocked by all the reactions to the hits. I think there is a case to be made that they were not all good hits, yes. But the demonizing of Tkachuk's actions post hits is ridiculous. What kind of game or sport demands you literally fight your opponent if you've done something to piss them off? Are we seriously still condoning or rewarding players for losing emotional control?
Kassian's overreaction is on him. It's not on Tkachuk. The way the game is structured, Tkachuk's punishment is supposed to be determined by the referees and not by Kassian or any other player.
Hockey culture has a long way to go.
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