Mitch Marner's First Words After NHL's Decision on Dmitry Kulikov's Elbow

The Toronto Maple Leafs let a 2-0 second-round series lead slip, and they will host Game 5 of the matchup against the Florida Panthers with the Eastern Conference semifinals tied at 2-2.

As the series has progressed, physicality has become more present, and lately, officiating has also turned into one of the central talking points.

The Panthers tied the series with back-to-back wins at Amerant Bank Arena in Games 3 and 4, and on Sunday, there were a few controversial hits that raised tensions on both benches and led the NHL to fine Toronto’s Max Domi.

Toronto’s Craig Berube acknowledged the shift in tone after Florida’s two home wins and addressed how the Leafs are adjusting to the increased physical pressure.

“Definitely a heavier forecheck team the last two games,” Berube said. “Pucks are going in deep, and they’re coming.”

With the series now a best-of-three, focus has returned to one moment in particular that Berube already sounded off on after Game 4.

“To me, the (Dmitry) Kulikov hit on Marner was 10 times worse,” Berube answered when asked about Domi’s hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.

Kulikov’s elbow to the head of Mitch Marner in Game 4 drew no supplemental discipline from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, unlike Domi’s hit.

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (7) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Bobby McMann (74) fight at Amerant Bank Arena.Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Despite the lack of action from the NHL, Marner, who was not seriously injured on the play, addressed the play for the first time ahead of Game 5 during his media availability on Tuesday.

“It’s hockey. I don’t know. Stuff happens fast,” Marner said. “I don’t really care or talk about it.

“I’m just trying to go out there and do my thing.”

Marner has scored two goals and assisted 10 more for 12 total points through 10 postseason games entering Game 5. He ranks second among Leafs players in points, only trailing William Nylander.

Game 5 of the series between the Maple Leafs and the Panthers is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET in Toronto.

Mitch Marner’s First Words After NHL’s Decision on Dmitry Kulikov’s Elbow

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