Matthew Tkachuk facing backlash for a nearly disastrous dangerous play

During the Florida Panthers game against the Boston Bruins earlier this week tragedy almost unfolded. Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk was along the wall fighting for a puck against Parker Wotherpsoon. After being hit to the ice Matthew Tkachuk swung his skate toward Parker Wotherspoon almost dangerously striking him.

After the game discourse began online surrounding the decision process that Matthew Tkachuk went through before kicking his leg out. Many believe it was intentional while others think it was completely inadvertent.

Regardless of intent skate related incidents have caused a lot of discussion and backlash this season.

Matthew Tkachuk's recklessness with his skates is just the latest example of the danger that skates can cause during a hockey game. At multiple other points this season skates have been the center around major tragedy.

The most notable tragedy involving a skate-cutting someone was the tragic passing of Adam Johnson earlier this year. His passing started a discussion that has been ongoing ever since about player safety.

Many leagues around the world have decided to make neck protection and other skate-resistant protection mandatory. The NHL announced they could not make any such change until the summer. With this latest near miss involving one of the game's stars the NHL better be seriously looking at making a change.

Source: Hockey Latest - Controversy surrounds Matthew Tkachuk after horrible dirty play