THIS JUST IN - and it’s got a lot of people talking.
On Thursday, the rivalry between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning went up a notch during their preseason showdown. Panthers’ A.J. Greer was handed a 10-minute misconduct just in the first period for the cross-check on Brandon Hagel, forcing the Lightning star to leave the game.
On the play, which has since gone viral, Greer cross-checked Hagel, then appeared to high-stick and punched him in the head.
During the intermission, former Bolts forward Pat Maroon, who’s now on the panel of TNT, called the move gutless.
“What Greer did to Hagel was gutless.”
But the NHL and its Player Safety Department did not think it was that bad. On Friday, they announced that Greer has been fined $2,213.54, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for roughing Hagel.
Fans are outraged, especially since the Panthers already seem to be able to get away with some controversial plays and dirty moves.
Just over two grand for a sucker punch? I say Greer will probably do it again.
The thing period was no different with more penalties and extracurricular activities. Greer didn’t have enough of his first misconduct, he ended getting ejected from the game entirely. When the final buzzer went off with the Lightning on top 5-2, a total of 186 penalty minutes had been called.
Tampa Bay and Florida wrap up their respective preseasons on Saturday night when they face off one more time in Sunrise. I wonder how many penalties this contest will have!
Get the latest news and updates directly in your inbox.