Kraken’s Gourde to have hearing with NHL Department of Player Safety for hit on Oilers’ Ekholm

Gourde received a major penalty for charging, while Ekholm was handed two minutes for roughing.

The Oilers went on to win the game 4-2, marking the team’s franchise-record 12th victory in a row.

In the hours after the game, many have pointed out Gourde’s frustrations toward Edmonton captain Connor McDavid, who gave Gourde a hefty shot during a faceoff earlier in the period.

This is not the first time Gourde is facing supplemental discipline. Gourde was suspended two games in March 2019, while as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, for an illegal hit to the head on the Carolina Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal.

Gourde threw a questionable hit in February 2022 on Boston Bruins defenseman Urho Vaakanainen. Gourde was handed a minor penalty on the play.

In 45 games with Seattle this season, Gourde as seven goals and 12 assists. In 510 career NHL games, the 32-year-old has amassed 122 goals and 180 assists.

He has also scored 42 points in 83 playoff games, helping the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

The Kraken (19-17-9) are next scheduled to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. They are currently sixth in the Pacific Division, four points back of the Oilers for third, and three points out of a Wild Card spot.