San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl will have a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety today and is facing a possible suspension for high-sticking Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm on Sunday night.
Right after the opening faceoff of the third period at center ice and with the Sharks trailing by one goal, Hertl was cross-checked multiple times in the right arm and shoulder by Lindholm. Hertl then retaliated, swinging his stick and catching Lindholm near his face.
Hertl was given a two-minute minor penalty for high sticking, starting a game-changing sequence.
Lindholm scored a power-play goal just 16 seconds into the third period to give the Flames a two-goal lead, then added an even-strength goal at the 35-second mark. The Sharks lost 5-2, dropping their record to 10-17-6 this season, which includes a 3-9-5 mark on home ice.
“I get frustrated. Three times to the shoulder, I just tried to slash him on the stick,” Hertl said. “The stick flew a little high, it’s a terrible penalty. I don’t think I even had him close to the face, but it looks bad. A mistake by me, can’t do that. You never try to hit a guy high, but it happens.”
Lindholm crosschecks Hertl twice. Hertl gets mad and high sticks Lindholm. Calgary power play. #Flames 3, #SJSharks 1 pic.twitter.com/iq7TCWgxkO — TEAL TOWN USA – A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TEALTOWNUSA) December 19, 2022
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Hertl has 11 goals and 32 points in 33 games this season.
The Sharks and Flames play each other again Tuesday night at SAP Center.