Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson is set to have a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Saturday after being ejected for a hit on the Blue Jackets’ Patrik Laine on Friday night.
COLUMBUS — Johnny Gaudreau was just a few feet away when bodies started flying to punctuate the evening.
With just a few seconds left in the Blue Jackets’ 3-1 win over Gaudreau’s former Flames club, Rasmus Andersson took the sort of run at an unsuspecting Patrik Laine that is sure to resonate.
With Laine doubled over on the ice and the official’s arm up for the elbow Andersson delivered, Columbus rearguard Erik Gudbranson charged after his former teammate to exact a little revenge.
Unable to do much more than smother the Flames defender, you can bet he took a number that’s sure to be called Jan. 25 when Gaudreau, Gudbranson and the Blue Jackets reassemble in Calgary.
“My back was kind of turned, so I didn’t really see it, but obviously Guddy saw it and didn’t like it,” said Gaudreau of the exchange that got Andersson an elbowing major and game misconduct.
“I mean, there’s two seconds left in the game.
“I feel bad for Patty, it’s a hard hit.
“There was a penalty on it so obviously it was a bad hit.
“I just think a little unnecessary.
“We play them again, so I’m sure someone will try to even it out, I don’t know.”
Pausing, slightly, the 5-foot-9 dynamo smiled, “not my department.”