Mathieu Olivier apologizes after ejection in Blue Jackets’ loss to Panthers
The Columbus forward accepted responsibility for slashing Uvis Balinskis during Tuesday’s game, which Florida won 7-3.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier apologized to his teammates after he was ejected for slashing Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis during a 7-3 loss at Nationwide Arena on Oct. 13. Olivier received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for striking Balinskis between the legs.
Olivier accepts responsibility for the slash
Olivier said after the game that he had no explanation for the slash, called it bad and took responsibility. He said he apologized to his teammates for leaving them to kill the penalty, according to the Columbus Dispatch report republished by Yahoo Sports. Sportsnet separately reported his remarks, attributing them to The Hockey Writers reporter Mark Scheig.
Carter Verhaeghe scored for Florida on the ensuing power play. Balinskis briefly left the game but returned, Sportsnet reported.
Columbus coach Rick Bowness called the slash an unnecessary mistake and said Olivier had apologized to his teammates. Bowness planned to speak with him at practice on Oct. 14, according to the Columbus Dispatch report. Whether Olivier faces additional NHL discipline was not established in the available reporting.
Sources and context
- Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier on ejection: 'It's on me'Yahoo Sports; originally appeared in The Columbus Dispatch
- Blue Jackets' Mathieu Olivier given game misconduct for slashingSportsnet
- Blue Jackets’ Olivier ejected for slashing Panthers’ BalinskisDaily Faceoff
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