Scott Laughton (Credit: Getty Images) The recent NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers again showed the reason why the game is regarded as one of the fiercest in the league. Since the first faceoff, the teams were fast, physical, and were audibly emotional, which would be the anthem of an intense game that would escalate their ever-increasing rivalry.Although such games were expected to involve physical play, the situation became frustrating when the referees ‘ decisions became part of the plot. A controversial hit featuring the Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen took the focus off the action on the ice, leading to debate in the NHL match today and taking centre stage in postgame NHL news coverage.
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Eetu Luostarinen hit leaves Scott Laughton bloodied in the Leafs and Panthers match
The scandal occurred when Eetu Luostarinen of the Florida Panthers made a hard backside attack on a Toronto Maple Leafs forward, Scott Laughton, along the boards. Laughton flew into the glass and bled to death, but no penalty was called against the play, and this at once brought furious indignation on the Toronto bench.Players of the Toronto Maple Leafs expressed their dissatisfaction with the on-ice officials, yet Scott Laughton continued to be upset on-screen. Replays that were provided in NHL updates demonstrated the intensity of the contact, with many observers believing that the hit should have resulted in a boarding or checking-from-behind penalty.Absence of the whistle only worsened an already heated situation. Scrums succeeded whistles, and the physical edge increased as the game went on. The fans and analysts resorted to social media and asked whether the Florida Panthers are still enjoying the benefits of the inconsistent referee during high-intensity NHL games.Regardless of the controversy, both teams continued to push as they continued with the playoff-level urgency until the last horn.Also Read: Brad Marchand’s lifestyle: Inside Florida Panthers star’s early life, NHL career, and personal adventures