“I’ve watched the clip numerous times and I definitely understand what they saw and why they thought it was worth two games . . . but it wasn’t my intent,” said Matheson. “I see why people think it was malicious and deserving of [a] suspension. I see that point of view. But I know how I was feeling in the moment and it wasn’t that.”
The play has sparked controversy around the NHL as to whether it was a dirty hit and warranted the suspension. Canucks head coach Travis Green was adamant following the game that it was a dirty hit.
According to Matheson, he was just trying to stay with his man.
“He’s a skilled player," noted Matheson. “He makes good plays. When you’re in a battle with someone, you want to play them hard and make sure they can’t beat you back to the net. There was no point in my frame of mind where I was thinking, ‘I got to injure this guy.’”
“I know deep down there was no frustration from me when it happened.”
MORE: Elias Pettersson out 7-10 days
Matheson did speak with Pettersson, who suffered a concussion on the play.
“First thing I thought of is whether he is OK," he noted. “That was my main concern. Still is. I reached out to him to [apologize] and see how he’s doing. It sounds like he’s been doing better the last few days and that’s great to hear.”
The 24-year-old had never been suspended before. He will forfeit $52,419.36 in salary. He is eligible to return to the Panthers’ lineup Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.
