Less than a minute into the third period of Tuesday’s game, with the Montreal Canadiens on the power play, Max Domi and Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad came together along the boards. As the play went on, Domi continued to engage Ekblad, ultimately culminating with Domi punching the unsuspecting blue-liner in the face.
Domi was assessed a roughing penalty for failing to let go once the puck was gone, and sent off the ice with a match penalty besides.
An automatic one-game suspension was set to follow, but after reviewing the situation, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety has decided to extend the ban to five games, which is the remainder of the pre-season.