Jesperi Kotkaneimi severely injured by a dirty hit

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S. Harper
March 29, 2022 (4:49 PM)

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It wasn't a good night for the Washington Capitals who welcomed the Hurricanes to the Capital One Arena. But things didn't end well for the Hurricanes either. During last night's game, with the Hurricanes up 6-1 and with just 1.9 seconds left in the game, Capitals' forward Lars Eller laid a questionable hit on Hurricanes' forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

Though Eller was clearly frustrated being embarrassed at home, it clearly clouded his judgment. Eller was penalized on the play but the Carolina Hurricanes and Head Ciach Rod Brind'Amour were irate, after the hit that the Hurricanes called "dirty." After the game Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour gave a update on Kotkaniemi,

The game was over. Let's just get it over with. Two seconds left. I don't like it. But nothing you can do about it. I don't know what Eller was thinking it was pathetic no need for that.

I've talked to him. He's not doing great. I don't know the extent, but it's not good. He's injured. I don't know how bad, but he's definitely going to be out.

Other Hurricanes players shared a similar sentiment.

For me that's just so stupid. It's a 6-1 game, one second left, and he tries to be a hero or whatever. I don't know what he was thinking. I have no words for that. It's just ridiculous. - Martin Necas

I don't know what he was doing on that play. -��Frederik Andersen

Eller was assessed a 2 minute penalty for charging, from the officials there's no word if the NHL Department of Player Safety will punish Eller, but you can bet there's going to be some payback to Eller the next time these two teams play next.

Credit:Espn.com