The three preseason games between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning looked more like playoff matchups in terms of physicality. In the final game, Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola was ejected, and according to an NHL rule, he could face a 10-game suspension.
A total of 498 penalty minutes and 14 game misconducts were handed out during the three preseason games between the Panthers and the Lightning. In the third period of Saturday’s matchup, Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola received a 10-minute game misconduct penalty. However, he didn’t realize he had been ejected and continued to play — a mistake that could cost him and the Panthers a 10-game suspension.
READ MORE: Florida Panthers slammed after “gutless” incident
Niko Mikkola could face suspension
NHL Rule 70.10 reads as follows:
“Any player who has been ordered to the dressing room by the officials and returns to his bench or to the ice surface for any reason before the appropriate time shall be assessed a game misconduct and shall be suspended automatically without pay for the next ten games.”
If this rule is applied to Niko Mikkola’s case, he should face a suspension.
Fans are calling out the NHL
Fans are now calling on the league to take action against Niko Mikkola and the Panthers.
“Miscommunication or not, he should be suspended for 10 games. The spirit of the rule might be something different, but as it’s written, it applies here without any gray area,” one person wrote on X.
“No gray area here. Automatic 10-game ban.”
“F*ck the NHL if they don’t enforce this,” another wrote.
“He was ejected and came back. Rules should be black and white,” a third added.
The NHL has not yet issued a decision on the matter.
The Panthers and the Lightning will face each other again on November 15.
READ MORE: Sergei Bobrovsky slammed by fans after ”ironic” comment
