Kings' Lucic receives match penalty for attempting to injure Sharks' Couture

Milan Lucic is in a foul mood to start the season.

The Los Angeles Kings winger took exception to a hit from San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture late in the third period of Wednesday's opening game - which the Sharks dominated, winning 5-1 - and received a match penalty for stalking Couture at the Sharks' bench, and trying to put him in it.

Couture had just finished serving a minor penalty when he came out of the box and stunned Lucic, who didn't see him coming:

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

Lucic was none too pleased, and went right after Couture:

When asked about Lucic's reaction after the game, Couture said, "I didn't think there was players that you're not allowed to hit in the league."

A match penalty carries an automatic suspension pending an NHL review, so Lucic may be out of action Friday, when the Kings host the Arizona Coyotes, and perhaps longer.

"At best, it was a minor penalty," said Los Angeles head coach Darryl Sutter.

Lucic agreed.

"I don't know why I got a match penalty," he said. "I didn't cross any line."

It was a busy night all around for Couture, who took a nasty hit early in the game from Dustin Brown, which the Department of Player Safety will likely also be looking at.