The Florida Panthers’ defenseman Niko Mikkola has found himself in hot water after a controversial incident at the end of Sunday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. The NHL Player Safety Department has issued a $5,000 fine—the maximum allowable under the league’s collective bargaining agreement—after Mikkola fired an unexpected slapshot as time expired in the Panthers’ 4-2 loss.
The Incident That Sparked Chaos
With just two seconds left on the clock, and Montreal players already turning to celebrate their victory, Mikkola wound up from deep in the defensive zone and launched a slapshot in the direction of the Canadiens’ net. The puck sailed high, forcing Montreal defenseman David Savard to duck in order to avoid being hit.
The unexpected shot immediately ignited tempers. A group of Canadiens players, including Jayden Struble, Christian Dvorak, Brendan Gallagher, and Savard, rushed toward Mikkola, sparking a post-game scrum. Officials and Panthers teammates intervened to separate the players, but tensions lingered as Mikkola and Struble continued exchanging heated words even while being escorted off the ice.
Penalties and Repercussions
Mikkola was handed a two-minute minor for unsportsmanlike conduct and a 10-minute misconduct. The $5,000 fine, which will go to the NHL’s Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, serves as the league’s response to his actions.
While Mikkola was the only player penalized following the incident, it’s clear that emotions will be running high when these two teams face off again on Tuesday in Montreal. The Canadiens have had the upper hand so far this season, winning all three previous matchups while outscoring the Panthers 11-3.
A Brewing Rivalry?
This latest altercation only adds fuel to what has been a surprising season series between the two teams. While the Panthers are one of the top teams in the Atlantic Division, the Canadiens—who sit lower in the standings—have consistently found ways to outplay them. With another game on the horizon, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more fireworks on the ice.
For Mikkola, this fine serves as a financial hit, but perhaps more importantly, it paints a target on his back for the Canadiens players who felt disrespected. Tuesday’s rematch could be one of the most heated battles of the season.
Hockey fans will want to keep their eyes on this one—it’s shaping up to be must-watch action.
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