Panthers Upset Over Abdelkader Hit

The Detroit Red Wings shutout the Florida Panthers at home on Tuesday, less than a week after the Panthers demolished the Red Wings 6-3 in Sunrise. The scoreline was not the biggest story out of this game though.

Midway through the 2nd period with the score tied at zero, Justin Abdelkader laid a big hit on Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov.

As shown by the video the Panthers were not pleased. Even wily, soon to be 44-year-old Jaromir Jagr was getting in Abdelkader's face about the hit to the 20-year-old star forward.

Abdelkader was not penalized on the play. Alex Petrovic received a minor penalty for cross checking in quick retaliation to the hit. Barkov did not return to the game.

The Panthers are upset over the hit, with head coach Gerard Gallant and Panthers player Nick Bjugstad calling it a "cheap shot".

Obviously, Abdelkader and Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill disagree, claiming it to be a good hockey hit by saying Abdelkader went through the body and kept his feet on the ice through the hit.

As of this writing there has been no word on a potential hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Barkov has already been ruled out of his team's next game against Buffalo.

Late in the game with a minute or so to go and the game out of hand for Florida, Abdelkader found himself challenged by notable tough guy Derek MacKenzie.

Abdelkader came out the winner in my book, and according to hockeyfights.com patrons, (~90% Abdelkader victory).

The Red Wings are on a two game winning streak to start their current five game homestand at Joe Louis Arena.