Max Domi Dodges Suspension After Late Hit on Alexander Barkov
Late Hit Results in Fine, not Suspension
NEW YORK – Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi has avoided a suspension for his late hit from behind on Florida Panthers captain Alexander Barkov. The NHL announced Monday that it has fined Domi the maximum allowable amount under the collective bargaining agreement, totaling $5,000, after he drilled Barkov into the boards with time expiring in the Panthers’ 2-0 win over the Maple Leafs on Sunday.
The players were very fortunate that Barkov was able to continue playing after the incident,” said NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety, George Parros.
Domi was given a five-minute major for boarding following the hit, which sparked a melee in the closing moments of the game.
Game 5: A Crucial Contest
The Panthers evened the best-of-seven second-round series at 2-2 with the victory. Game 5 is set for Wednesday in Toronto. The series now shifts back to Scotiabank Arena, with both teams hungry for the upper hand.
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Key Players Involved in the Aftermath
- Toronto forward Bobby McMann and Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad each received 10-minute misconducts for their roles in the post-incident skirmish.
- Panthers forward Brad Marchand, celebrating his 37th birthday, also collected a 10-minute misconduct in the scuffle.
Looking Ahead: Series Tied 2-2
With the series tied at two games apiece, Game 5 takes on significant importance. Both teams will look to gain momentum and take a commanding lead in the series.
Did You Know?
This is only the second time in NHL playoff history that a game has ended with a boarding major and a subsequent melee, with the last instance occurring in 2013.
Pro Tips for Leafs Fans
- Stay tuned to 247Sports for real-time updates and analysis during Game 5.
- Follow the official NHL website and Twitter account for official communications and breaking news.
- Engage with other fans on our social media platforms to share your thoughts and predictions for Game 5.
FAQs
Q: Why was Domi not suspended?
A: The NHL deemed that Domi’s actions, although dangerous, did not warrant a suspension.
Final Thoughts
While Max Domi escapes suspension, he still faces a hefty fine and the scrutiny of fans and analysts alike. The impact of the late hit on Alexander Barkov and the resulting melee could have long-lasting implications for the Maple Leafs-Panthers series. As the teams head into Game 5, it’s clear that tempers are flaring, and tensions are running high. Who will gain the upper hand? Stay tuned to find out.