Contrite Matheson says injuring Pettersson wasn't his purpose

If it was a different defenseman that pressed Elias Pettersson to the glass and spiked him to the ice on his shoulder and head, Florida’s Mike Matheson could easily see the justification for suspension. Owning the perspective of the player that did cause the Canucks rookie to suffer a concussion only a handful of games into his career, however, Matheson swears that it wasn’t as it seemed.

He spoke for the first time since he received a two-game ban for the unnecessary slam that drew comparisons from some to a WWE finishing move, and showed earnest contrition and respect for the NHL’s decision.

“The first thing I thought of after the game was whether he was OK,” Matheson said in his media scrum. “That was my main concern, and it still is my main concern. I reached out to him to see how he was doing and it’s sounds like he’s been doing a lot better over the last few days.”

“That’s great to hear.”

Many were of the mind that Matheson took liberties on the rookie in response to Pettersson dropping him with this slick spinning move earlier in the sequence.

Matheson denies feeling such embarrassment.

“I’m definitely disappointed in the decision to suspend me for two games because I know deep down that there was no frustration in me when that play happened and there was no intent to injure on my part,” Matheson said.

Having seen the replays, though, Matheson sees how it could be interpreted differently.

“I definitely understand what they saw, and why they thought it was worth two games. The league is focusing on head injuries and protecting players, which I’m fully on board with and support 100 percent.”

He added: “I see why people think it was malicious and deserving of suspension. I see that point of view. But I know how I was feeling in the moment, and it wasn’t that.”

A first-time offender, Matheson will forfeit over $50,000 for the extra force applied to the hit.

He told reporters that the two connected through text, and Pettersson thanked him for reaching out.

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