The Panthers’ Eetu Luostarinen delivered a very risky hit from behind on Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton last night, sending Laughton headfirst into the boards. Now, fans are furious over how the referees and the league handled the situation.
The Florida Panthers lost for the third time in four games last night, falling 4–1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both teams have struggled throughout the season and currently sit in 10th and 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
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Most disliked teams
Over the past few seasons, the Florida Panthers have become one of the most disliked teams among opposing fans—not only for winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, but also for frequently getting away with nasty hits and cheap shots. Last night, fans were once again outraged after the referees missed what many are calling an “idiotic” hit.
Eetu Luostarinen hit on Scott Laughton
In the second period, Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen delivered a heavy hit from behind on Leafs forward Scott Laughton, who crashed into the boards and began bleeding as a result. Luostarinen went unpunished on the play. After the game, Laughton told reporters what the referees said to him afterward.
“They said I saw him coming,” Laughton told reporters, according to NHL.com.
Fans are furious
Now, fans are furious with the referees’ explanation.
“Refs: I see nothing, I know nothing (only when it’s Florida),” one fan wrote.
“He better be fined for this. The bias against the Leafs is absolutely astounding,” another fan wrote.
“If a Leaf did that to a Panther, we know they wouldn’t be saying that,” a third fan added.
You can watch the hit below.
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