The spark that started this fire was a hit from Panthers defenseman Dmitri Kulikov. He hit Lightning forward Conor Sheary during a net front scramble, clipping him in the head. Initially there was no call on the play, but after a review, the officials gave the Panthers defenseman a major penalty for illegal check to the head as well as a game misconduct.
The hit resulted in more than a major powerplay for the Lightning. It also lead to a full-on line brawl breaking out with each skater on the ice grabbing a partner.
One of the pairs was Darren Raddysh and Ryan Lomberg, who ultimately moved off towards the boards as a linesman tried to separate them. This put the pair within throwing distance of the stands though, as one fan landed a piece of popcorn perfectly on Lomberg's hair.
Be sure to stay tuned as these teams continue to battle it out. Hopefully, the teams will meet in the playoffs so we can get a full seven-game series of this intensity.
POLL | ||
16 MARS | 108 ANSWERS Massive Brawl Erupts Between The Florida Panthers And Tampa Bay Lightning Following Illegal Headshot By Dmitry Kulikov Do you think Kulikov deserves to be suspended for this hit? | ||
Yes | 85 | 78.7 % |
No | 23 | 21.3 % |
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