Dirty Cross-Check on Hathaway by Matthew Tkachuk Could Result in Suspension

Matthew Tkachuk, the aggressive power forward for the Florida Panthers, took it too far in Sunday's Game 4 against the Boston Bruins. As the first period was ending, Tkachuk was given a two-minute minor penalty for cross-checking Bruins forward Garnet Hathaway.

Tkachuk's cross-check hit Hathaway right in the ribs, leaving him on the ice for a few minutes before he was able to head to the locker room. It was a cheap shot, and Tkachuk was lucky to escape a major penalty.

Unfortunately for Tkachuk, the Bruins made him pay by scoring on the ensuing power play at the start of the second period. Many Bruins fans are upset with Tkachuk, as it's not the first time he's committed such a foul without facing any serious consequences.

The NHL Department of Player Safety is likely to take action in response to Tkachuk's actions. If they do, the Panthers may have to face Game 5 without their star forward. This kind of play is unnecessary and dangerous, and players have been fined for less in the past. We'll keep you updated on any developments regarding Tkachuk's potential suspension.

As seen at: Matthew Tkachuk at Risk of Suspension After Dirty Cross-Check on Hathaway

Elliotte Friedman discloses the Boston Bruins' bad start was not the only reason Jim Montgomery was fired

Auston Matthews has returned from Germany and is on the ice: Is he back in the lineup?

Don Cherry shockingly goes against the Toronto Maple Leafs in his latest rant

Former Jack Adams winner is returning and getting hired as head coach per NHL insider Pierre LeBrun

Legendary NHL GM strongly links Nazem Kadri to the Maple Leafs in latest report

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet under fire by fans for his treatment of JT Miller before he left the team

Toronto Maple Leafs connected to several big name centers to replace Max Domi in the top-six

Ryan Reaves' brother bashes Darnell Nurse for his recent comments about the Maple Leafs enforcer

Heartbreaking cancer diagnosis revealed by Vegas Golden Knights organization player

TSN insider reveals superstar NHL goaltender will waive his no-trade clause for the Edmonton Oilers