Calgary Flames Defenseman Faces NHL "Player Safety" Hearing Over Huge Hit; Could Miss Game 7

Although the on-ice officials didn't make the call, the NHL's Department of Player Safety is holding a hearing over a huge hit by Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov on Dallas Stars forward Luke Glendening Friday night. 

Nikita Zadorov did not get a penalty for this hit on Luke Glendening.

Was this a clean hit or dirty play? 🤔#Flames #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/OyX1HXk2DD

— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) May 14, 2022

Zadorov's shoulder made contact with Glendening's head, as the big Flames D-man left the ice just a bit to deliver the hard check. Stars coach Rick Bowness can be seen screaming at the refs "it's a head shot!!", to no avail. 

Flames head coach Darryl Sutter, however, disagrees any discipline is needed.

#Flames head coach Darryl Sutter on Nikita Zadorov’s hit on Luke Glendening and potential supplemental discipline:

“It was a hockey play. I totally disagree there should be a hearing considering there’s been slew-foots in this series.”

— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) May 14, 2022

“It was a hockey play," said Sutter. "I totally disagree there should be a hearing considering there’s been slew-foots in this series.” 

Nevertheless, the hearing is taking place.

Calgary’s Nikita Zadorov will have a hearing today for an Illegal Check to the Head on Dallas’ Luke Glendening.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) May 14, 2022

Zadorov actually accumulated 14 minutes in penalties in the game, but none for the hit to Glendening. 

The Flames may have to head into Game 7 without a very large presence on their blueline.