As the stakes get higher, injuries accumulate, and the intensity soars in this challenging Toronto Maple Leafs–Florida Panthers series, veteran Scott Laughton`s insightful words come to mind. He noted that while there`s a natural inclination for retaliation – seeking retribution or delivering a final jab or shove – the most satisfying response is simply victory.
“Win. That’s how you get ’em,” Laughton stated, referencing an incident where Sam Bennett, seen as a provocateur, wasn`t penalized after injuring Toronto`s starting goalie, Anthony Stolarz, who needed an ambulance. “Ultimately, it`s about winning and making them pay that way.”
The boundary for acceptable physicality is becoming increasingly blurred with each game. This series between the Panthers and Leafs started aggressively and has developed into the most evenly matched (currently 2-2) and intense of the four second-round matchups.
Following another physical game on Monday, it was announced that Max Domi received a $5,000 fine, the highest amount allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, for boarding Florida captain Aleksander Barkov just as the Panthers secured a 2-0 shutout win.
