Karlsson: Vlasic tried to 'pitchfork me in the face'

Erik Karlsson was steaming following a loss to the San Jose Sharks, and not only because of the result.

The Ottawa Senators' star defenseman took issue with an incident behind the play involving Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

"Well I mean I'm down in the corner battling and I lose my stick. The play is gone and I'm reaching for it and he tries to pitchfork me in the face and I'm lucky that I'm looking down," Karlsson told reporters after the game.

Here's the play in question:

The play caught the attention of Ottawa's bench, and prompted Kyle Turris to engage Vlasic in a fight, earning an instigating penalty for his efforts. The act wasn't lost on Karlsson.

"As far as I'm concerned that's a dangerous play, intentional, and I've got to give it to (Turris) for sticking up for me and I'm happy I didn't lose my cool and do something stupid."

Vlasic's actions weren't spotted by the officials, but may get another look from the league.