The NHL has announced suspensions for Tampa Bay Lightning players following a chaotic pre-season finale against the Florida Panthers. Forward Scott Sabourin received a four-game ban, while defenseman J.J. Moser was suspended for two games. The incident occurred during a match held in Sunrise, Florida.
NHL Suspensions Overview
The NHL’s decision came on a Monday, with additional fines imposed on the Lightning organization and their head coach. The team was fined $100,000, while Coach Jon Cooper received a $25,000 penalty.
Game Highlights
- Sabourin played only 19 seconds before receiving a match penalty.
- Moser faced a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist.
- Overall, the game featured 65 penalties and 312 penalty minutes.
- The Lightning had periods where only three players were available on the bench.
The NHL confirmed that Sabourin would forfeit approximately $16,146, meaning he lost about $850 for each second he was on the ice. Moser’s financial penalty totaled around $35,156.
Impact on Players and Teams
Sabourin’s suspension timing is uncertain as he has returned to the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Last season, he played in just one NHL game.
Sabourin’s aggressive play set a troubling tone early in the match, colliding with Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Ekblad left the game due to the incident but later practiced and is expected to be ready for the regular season opener against Chicago.
Players’ Reactions
Florida forward Evan Rodrigues commented on the chaotic nature of the game, stating, “It got silly. It got stupid by the end of it. It wasn’t really hockey out there.”
This incident marks a significant moment in the pre-season for both teams, especially given their previous matchup, which also featured a high number of penalties.
