NHL issues suspensions and fines to Lightning after brawl-filled preseason clash with Panthers
Title: Tampa Bay Lightning Faces Heavy Fines and Suspensions Following Penalty-Ridden Game Against Florida Panthers
The Tampa Bay Lightning is under scrutiny following a turbulent preseason game against the Florida Panthers on Saturday, which saw numerous penalties and ejections. The NHL has reacted by suspending winger Scott Sabourin for four games and defenseman J.J. Moser for two games due to their actions during the game. Additionally, the team has been fined $100,000, and head coach Jon Cooper received a personal fine of $25,000.
Key Penalties Rock the Tampa Bay Lightning
The game, which ended in a 7-0 defeat for the Lightning, was marred by over 300 penalty minutes and the ejection of 16 players. Earlier in the week, Lightning players Gage Goncalves and Roman Schmidt were also fined for major cross-checking penalties. This follows a previous encounter between the two teams, which was similarly filled with penalties, totaling 186 minutes.
Disciplinary Actions from the NHL
The NHL issued a suspension for Sabourin after he was penalized for a match penalty for hitting Florida’s Aaron Ekblad into the boards before delivering an ungloved punch. Moser faced suspension after being penalized for hitting Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist against the boards, which also resulted in a match penalty. The Panthers, however, have not received further disciplinary measures post-game.
NHL Fine Details
- Scott Sabourin – 4-game suspension
- J.J. Moser – 2-game suspension
- Tampa Bay Lightning – $100,000 team fine
- Head Coach Jon Cooper – $25,000 personal fine
Upcoming Games: Lightning and Panthers Prepare for Season Openers
The Florida Panthers will kick off their regular season at home against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning is set to begin their season on Thursday night at home against the Ottawa Senators. Both teams will be looking to move past the contentious preseason and focus on securing a strong start to their campaigns.
