Multiple fights, ugly hits in Lightning-Panthers game lead NHL to hand out fines and possible suspensions

The Tampa Bay Lightning vs the Florida Panthers was fraught with multiple brawls and a series of nasty hits, which necessitated NHL intervention to impose fines and possible suspensions. The old rivalry went down the drain almost immediately, with the two sides combining for 322 penalty minutes at the finish of the game. The first period of what was supposed to be a standard preseason game rapidly became one of the most disorderly encounters of the preseason.

Aaron Ekblad’s injury and on-ice brawls ignite tensions

After the game started only a bit more than 2 minutes, Tampa Bay forward Scott Sabourin cross-checked Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad in the face, so that he was off the ice and out of the game. Sabourin was sent off immediately but his hit sparked a reaction. The benches cleared several times, and ruffians appeared after almost every whistle. At the end of the second period only, 48 penalties had been given, their total time amounting to almost 200 minutes.

 

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Near the end of the third period, another mix-up occurred with a goal disallowed after a previously ejected player mistakenly went back on the ice. The referees had a hard time controlling the fight as the anger of the players got out of hand. What could have been a preseason warm-up turned into an exhibition of fighting without any restraint.

NHL issues fines and considers suspensions

The NHL was quick to respond after the game. Gage Goncalves of the Lightning was $3,125 fined for a cross-check on Evan Rodrigues, and Roman Schmidt was $2,098.52 fined for an illegal hit on Carter Verhaeghe. Both Scott Sabourin and J.J. Moser are scheduled to meet with the NHL Department of Player Safety regarding their dangerous hits on Aaron Ekblad and Jesper Boqvist, respectively, with potential suspensions awaiting.

Moreover, none of the Florida Panthers players were given additional disciplinary actions by the league, which has caused controversy among the fans about the fairness of the punishment. The NHL’s next move in this intense rivalry, as well as whether the league can control the physical play before it erupts again, will be the focus of attention as the regular season draws nearer.