Lucic disagrees with 2-game ban: 'You have to stand up for your teammates'

Calgary Flames forward Milan Lucic doesn't agree with the league's decision to suspend him two games for roughing Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kole Sherwood during Saturday's contest.

"I mean, it was pretty clear, (Sherwood) spears, slashes the goalie and I was standing up for him," Lucic said on Tuesday, according to Flames reporter Kristen Anderson. "I'm more than willing to do that. I thought the referees got it right on the ice the first time."

Lucic delivered a sucker punch to Sherwood after the Blue Jackets winger tried to poke the puck free from beneath Flames netminder David Rittich before the whistle. Sherwood was shaken up but returned to finish the contest, and Lucic was handed a double minor for roughing.

Despite the punishment, Lucic says he doesn't plan to change his approach.

"They even got a slashing penalty on the play," Lucic said. "I think even Rittich said it was the second time he got slashed in three games and you have to step up for your teammates and I'm more than willing to do that. This suspension won't change that moving forward."

The 6-foot-3 enforcer isn't alone in his disapproval of the league's decision. Flames general manager Brad Treliving also chimed in on Sunday, saying the club vehemently disagrees with the suspension.

However, Lucic is a repeat offender after being suspended four times and fined on five occasions over his 13-year career.

Treliving acquired Lucic this past offseason from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forward James Neal in effort to add more toughness to the Flames' lineup. The 31-year-old leads the team this season in hits (31) and penalty minutes (30).