Department of Player Safety Punishes Leafs Forward for Dangerous Play
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Lay Bourget
April 23, 2023 (12:59)
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What a wild ride it was in last night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning! In one of the most action-packed games of the 2023 season, there were plenty of highlights to talk about.
Fights!
First off, we saw Auston Matthews, one of the most elite scorers in the league, drop the gloves for the first time in his career. His opponent? None other than Steven Stamkos, another member of the exclusive 60-goal club.
Then, with just minutes left in the game, Ryan O'Reilly of the Leafs scored a clutch goal to tie it up and send the game into overtime. And it was there that Morgan Rielly scored the game-winner, much to the delight of the Toronto faithful.
But there was plenty of drama and controversy, too. Brayden Point of the Lightning returned to the game after taking a brutal hit, while Sam Lafferty of the Leafs found himself in hot water with the department of player safety.
Lafferty was fined $3,108.11 - the maximum allowable under the CBA - for cross-checking Ross Colton. Not the smartest move by Lafferty, but it was just one of many fine-able offenses that took place in the game.
Overall, it was a thrilling game that showcased some of the best talent in the NHL. Who knows what the rest of the season will bring? We can't wait to find out!