Dell's dirty hit on Batherson leads to a significant injury; Batherson now out of the All-Star Game
Ottawa Senators head coach DJ Smith spoke with the media following a blowout win on Tuesday, but while he and his club came away with the victory, the loss they suffered was far more substantial.
During the game, Sabres goaltender Aaron Dell ran some interference for teammate Victor Olofsson, who was being pursued by forechecker Drake Batherson. Dell clipped Batherson with an elbow, sending him crashing into the end boards feet first, forcing him out of the contest with an injury.
During his post-game media availability, Smith called the play both "unfortunate" and "ridiculous", bringing up the fact that Batherson has suffered an injury to his ankle and would be out long-term. The young winger will also miss the All-Star Game, which he was scheduled to be a part of.
«Our best leading scorer is going to be out and it didn't have to happen,» Smith said, clearly frustrated and disappointed by the play. "Any other player in the game that does that, you know, you have to go out and face the music."
Dell was not even issued a penalty on the play, despite the obvious interference.
