Justin Abdelkader

Red Wings' Abdelkader on Barkov hit: 'I don't think I'm a cheap player'

Published Feb. 9, 2016 3:50 p.m. ET

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Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader defended his hit that forced Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov from Monday's game at Joe Louis Arena.

Abdelkader used his left shoulder to lower the boom on Barkov during the second period of Detroit's 3-0 victory. No penalty was called on the play, but Florida was in a frenzy as the 20-year-old Barkov missed the remainder of the contest with what was described as an upper-body injury.

.@justinabss post game | #LGRW https://t.co/SvIu6R59cw
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 9, 2016

While upset that his action caused an injury, Abdelkader doesn't believe he's a dirty player. Via DetroitRedWings.com:

"I'm the type of player that is going to go out and play hard. My job is to go out there and finish checks. I don't think I'm a cheap player or trying to make cheap shots out there. I don't think I was coming in to hit with my elbows or my arms up. His head was a little low, I guess. At the same time, I thought I finished through his body."

Abdelkader has been suspended twice in his professional career. The 28-year-old was banned two games during the 2013 playoffs for a hit on Anaheim Ducks defenseman Toni Lydman in addition to one contest for a shot on Vladimir Sobotka of the Czech Republic during the 2014 World Championship.

#FLAPanthers Bjugstad: It was a cheap hit. It was a head shot. I don't know why the ref didn't call it. #RedWings
— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) February 9, 2016

Signed to a six-year contract extension worth $35.4 million, Barkov (16 goals, 19 assists) trails Jaromir Jagr and Jonathan Huberdeau by two points for the team lead with the upstart Panthers.

#RedWings Blashill: From my vantage point, both live and then when I watched the replay, I thought it was a totally clean hit.
— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) February 9, 2016

Barkov, who is the second overall pick of the 2013 draft, isn't expected to play in Tuesday's tilt versus the Buffalo Sabres.

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