Flames’ Dennis Wideman flat-out checks linesman on way to bench

Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman took out linesman Don Henderson on the way to the bench against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

Here’s video of the incident:

Dennis Wideman looked like he straight-up checked the linesman. pic.twitter.com/iau1Jd7Vaf

— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) January 28, 2016

This does not look like an accidental collision; Wideman straight-up cross-checked Henderson. And, um, you can’t do that to an official.

It will be interesting to hear Wideman’s explanation of this, but it sure looks intentional. If the NHL agrees with that, Wideman likely faces a lengthy suspension.

Update:

Here is Wideman’s explanation. Not convinced.

Dennis Wideman on hitting linesman Don Henderson: “I was just trying to get off the ice. And, at the last second, I looked up and saw him."

— Kristen Anderson (@KdotAnderson) January 28, 2016