I think we're both more or less on the same page here. But just to break down some of the details: there was 25 seconds left in the game, puck in the defensive zone, however it was on Ottawa's stick. Tkachuk gave Laughton a cross check that doesnt get called 90% of the time, but since it did, Tkachuk said well **** it mine as well just pummel the guy that's been a total rat and send a message.
This is a young team that's kind of already out of the playoff picture. I would agree with you if it was late in a playoff series or even if Ottawa was more in the playoff race maybe just let it go and focus on trying to tie it up. However, I think Ottawa needs to build a culture and what Tkachuk brings (and yes what he did in this particular incident) is and will be a big part of their success down the road.