Suspensions and Fines Following Preseason Game Between Lightning and Panthers
The NHL has announced significant sanctions following the intense preseason game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. Scott Sabourin, Lightning forward, has been suspended for four games, while J.J. Moser, defenseman for the same team, will face a two-game suspension.
In addition to the suspensions to players, the Lightning organization was fined $100,000 dollars. Coach Jon Cooper also received a personal fine of $25,000 dollars. The NHL did not provide additional details about these sanctions.
These decisions come after a game marked by a high number of penalties and rough play. Sabourin will lose $16,145.84 dollars due to his suspension, while Moser will lose $35,156.26 dollars.
It’s unclear when Sabourin will serve his suspension, as he was sent back to Syracuse, an American Hockey League affiliate, on Monday. Sabourin only played one game in the NHL last season.
The incident that led to Sabourin’s suspension occurred at 2:17 minutes into the game, when he received a penalty for assaulting Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who left the game after the hit.
Moser’s suspension was due to an action against Jesper Boqvist of the Panthers during the game.In the image, Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Scott Sabourin (46), and Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad exchange blows during the preseason game between the teams.
The game was full of penalties, with a total of 65 calls, 13 ejections, and 312 penalty minutes.
Ekblad was able to practice on Monday and is expected to play when the defending Stanley Cup champions begin their season at home on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
