The repercussions from the intense Game 4 clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are starting to unfold.
On Monday, the NHL`s Department of Player Safety announced that Maple Leafs forward Max Domi has been fined $5,000 for a hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov late in the game.
This fine represents the maximum penalty permitted under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
During the final moments of Game 4, which saw the Panthers secure a 2-0 victory to tie the second-round series at 2-2, Domi delivered a hit from behind on Barkov. This contact propelled Barkov into the boards amidst a group of players vying for a loose puck.
The Panthers reacted strongly to the play, leading to an immediate scrum with punches exchanged in the ensuing chaos.
Domi received a five-minute major penalty for boarding following the hit. Additionally, Toronto`s Bobby McMann, Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad, and Panthers forward Brad Marchand were each assessed 10-minute misconduct penalties for their involvement in the altercation.
According to Head Coach Paul Maurice, Barkov was fortunately not injured on the sequence.
Florida center Sam Bennett commented on the incident, suggesting Domi`s hit was consistent with the physical nature of the series, stating, “it’s been a physical series, so I expect more of that.”
When questioned about the hit on Monday, Toronto Head Coach Craig Berube redirected the conversation to a different play earlier in the game.
Berube stated, “To me, the (Dmitry) Kulikov hit on (Mitch) Marner was 10 times worse.” He was referring to an earlier play where the Panthers defenseman elbowed the Leafs forward in the head, which did not result in a penalty.
The series continues on Wednesday when Toronto hosts Florida for the crucial Game 5.
Tristan Blackwood