Another Florida Panthers game and another big hit. This time it came from Panthers’ center Eetu Luostarinen with just 3:01 left in the first period. Luostarinen was in hot pursuit of Carolina’s Jackson Blake as he chased the puck in his defensive zone. However, things went wrong when Blake switched up his pace, kicking up some ice to slow down while the Cats’ center didn’t. The result was a devastating hit.
Luostarinen slammed so into Blake with his shoulder that the Canes’ forward flew into the boards. What’s worse? He slammed into the boards headfirst and stayed down. The Panthers’ star slammed into the board, too, but that was only because he couldn’t control the momentum even after colliding with Blake. Unfortunately for Luostarinen, Blake stayed down for a while, as the on-ice officials immediately handed him a 5-minute penalty.
Yet, the night got much worse for the Florida Panthers’ player because the refs reviewed the call for confirmation. “After reviewing the play, the call is confirmed. No. 27 Florida, 5 in-game for boarding,” announced the official. The NHL’s Rule 41.5 states that a game misconduct is automatic when you get a penalty for boarding. “So that’s the night for Eetu Luostarinen,” said the announcer as a chorus of boos rained down from the stands.
However, fans on the internet didn’t seem to unanimously agree with the home crowd at Sunshine, Florida, who booed the call. “This is a textbook case for a boarding major and game misconduct,” declared a Carolina Hurricanes fan after watching the clip of the hit, Sportsnet shared.
Eetu Luostarinen was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding on this hit against Jackson Blake. pic.twitter.com/icIWJDzKK9
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2025
This story is developing…
The post Florida Panthers Spark Debate Among Fans After Brutal Hit on Carolina Hurricanes Star Gains ‘Game Misconduct’ Penalty appeared first on EssentiallySports.