Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen was ejected from the game in the first period of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals after a brutal hit on Carolina Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake. The incident occurred with just 3:01 left on the clock, as Blake was skating back into his own zone with Luostarinen trailing behind. As Luostarinen attempted to make a play with his stick, Blake suddenly stopped, causing Luostarinen to collide with him and drive his head into the boards, resulting in a bloody injury for the Hurricanes forward. The on-ice officials wasted no time in penalizing Luostarinen with a five-minute major penalty for boarding, which ultimately led to his ejection from the game.
Despite Luostarinen’s absence from the lineup, the Panthers managed to secure a 6-2 victory over the Hurricanes, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. The game misconduct penalty was a significant blow for the Panthers, as Luostarinen had been a key contributor with 13 points prior to Game 3. The team rallied in the third period, scoring five goals to seal the win and inch closer to a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. With Game 4 scheduled for Monday, the Panthers will need to adjust to the absence of Luostarinen as they look to close out the series and advance to the next round.
Not really sure why this matters, but the Panthers’ victory in Game 3 was overshadowed by Luostarinen’s ejection for boarding. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like these types of incidents are becoming more common in the NHL. With the league cracking down on dangerous hits and player safety becoming a top priority, it’s important for players to be mindful of their actions on the ice. Despite the controversy surrounding Luostarinen’s hit, the Panthers were able to stay focused and secure a crucial win in the series. As they prepare for Game 4, they will need to maintain their composure and continue to play disciplined hockey in order to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.
