Particle.news
Download on the App Store
13 ARTICLES
·
6d ago

NHL Faces Criticism for Fining, Not Suspending Max Domi After Late Hit on Barkov

The league’s decision to fine Domi $5,000, the maximum allowed under the CBA, has reignited debates over disciplinary consistency as the Leafs and Panthers prepare for a pivotal Game 5 in Toronto.

Florida Panthers players clash with Toronto Maple Leafs players after Game 4 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series, Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Image
Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) battle on the boards during Game 4 of the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Image

Overview

  • Max Domi was fined $5,000 by the NHL for boarding Aleksander Barkov in the final seconds of Game 4, avoiding a suspension despite the severity of the hit.
  • The incident sparked a melee involving multiple players, with Bobby McMann, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand receiving 10-minute misconducts.
  • Panthers head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that Barkov was not injured, while Leafs coach Craig Berube criticized the NHL for not penalizing Dmitry Kulikov’s earlier hit on Mitch Marner.
  • Fans, particularly those of the Panthers, expressed outrage on social media, arguing Domi’s punishment was too lenient and inconsistent with other recent disciplinary actions.
  • The second-round playoff series is tied 2-2, with Game 5 set to take place in Toronto, where both teams will look to gain an edge in this increasingly physical matchup.