Seattle Kraken defenseman Ville Ottavainen got his money’s worth.
A day after pounding Brennan Othmann of the Calgary Flames into submission, the NHL socked Ottavainen with a $2,190.72 fine. It’s an odd figure, but it’s the maximum allowable fine under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
In the 2nd period of Thursday’s 4-3 Kraken shootout win, Othmann crushed Ottavainen into the corner boards in the Seattle zone. The Finnish blueliner, who will play for the AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds again this season, took exception. He hogtied Othmann down to the ice, then unloaded a series of right hands while the Calgary forward turtled.
It was the continuation of a contentious middle frame, with multiple fights and 65 total minutes in penalties. Flames defenseman Brayden Pachal crashed into Ottavainen to stop the beating. 6-foot-9 Kraken enforcer Curtis Douglas (below image) made sure that when Othmann rose, he couldn’t get back at the Finn.
On-ice referees issued the 6-foot-5 Ottavainen a minor for instigating, a major for fighting, and a game misconduct. The department of player safety tacked on the fine for his being the “aggressor in an altercation.” In addition to the punches Othmann ate, he received a minor for charging and a 10-minute misconduct.
Kraken Defenseman Was Issuing Payback For Earlier Hit
After the game, Kraken coach Lane Lambert pointed out that his player had been on the receiving end of a questionable hit from Othmann when the teams met in Calgary on Sept. 20. Othman was penalized on that play – a five-minute major and game misconduct – for leaping into the hit and leading with his elbow.
Lambert said he “didn’t mind” Ottavainen’s retaliation. “Good job by Otto to respond to that. I don’t have a problem with that at all. You can only take runs at a guy for so long before he’ll respond. And then Otto threw his gloves off and that was it. There’s times when you’re required to do that.”
The 24-year-old Ottavainen was a 4th round Kraken draft selection in 2021.
Earlier Kraken:
— $45-million Reasons To Have Interest in McMann’s Contract
Earlier Canucks:
— Canucks PR Poisons Writers Association
VIDEO: POSTGAME “KRAKEN REACTION” on all the hits, fights, and iffy play …
