Kraken’s Gourde suspended two games for hit on Oilers’ Ekholm
One of the key members of the Seattle Kraken is going to be out of the lineup for a couple of games.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced forward Yanni Gourde is suspended two games for a hit on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm.
The incident happened in the third period on Thursday night, when Gourde hit Ekholm high while forechecking in the Oilers’ zone. After play stopped shortly thereafter, Ekholm went after Gourde during a scuffle.
EDM SEA G41. January 18, 2024. Yanni Gourde hit, scrum. 🎥: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/Ys26XLhnHB
— Nation Network Media (@NationNMedia) January 19, 2024Gourde received a major penalty for charging, while Ekholm was handed two minutes for roughing.
The Oilers went on to win the game 4-2, marking the team’s franchise-record 12th victory in a row.
In the hours after the game, many have pointed out Gourde’s frustrations toward Edmonton captain Connor McDavid, who gave Gourde a hefty shot during a faceoff earlier in the period.
McDavid scared to drop the gloves with Yanni Gourde so instead Gourde takes a run at Elkholm. This is what happens when McDavid tries to agitate other players all game and isn’t willing to answer for his actions. McDavid with a slashing and roughing penalty prior to this pic.twitter.com/664fbDNnl6
— Dennis Wideman (@widemanden) January 19, 2024This is not the first time Gourde has faced supplemental discipline. Gourde was suspended two games in March 2019, while as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, for an illegal hit to the head on the Carolina Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal.
Gourde threw a questionable hit in February 2022 on Boston Bruins defenseman Urho Vaakanainen. Gourde was handed a minor penalty on the play.
Urho Vaakanainen gets crushed by Yanni Gourde. 2 minute penalty called. Thoughts🤔
pic.twitter.com/1efdVLiiMm
In 45 games with Seattle this season, Gourde as seven goals and 12 assists. In 510 career NHL games, the 32-year-old has amassed 122 goals and 180 assists.
He has also scored 42 points in 83 playoff games, helping the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.
The Kraken (19-17-9) are next scheduled to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. They are currently sixth in the Pacific Division, four points back of the Oilers for third, and three points out of a Wild Card spot.