The Department of Player Safety has handed down an automatic punishment, suspending Florida Panthers forward Ryan Lomberg one game for instigating a fight in the final five minutes of regulation. Head coach Andrew Brunette has also received a $10,000 fine.
When Lomberg confronted Erik Cernak in the final minutes of a 8-4 Tampa Bay Lightning win, he earned himself a standing ovation from the crowd in Florida, but will now have to miss a tune-up game before the playoffs. The bang-and-crash forward ended up with 27 minutes in penalties in what was a very physical game and will be held out against the Boston Bruins tomorrow night.
Brunette meanwhile earned himself a misconduct last night, as he was ejected from the match following the fight. The coach’s wallet will also be a little lighter, as he faces a fine that is actually a good bit higher than the usual DoPS player punishment, as negotiated by the CBA.
While it doesn’t really matter if Lomberg sits out a game, given the Panthers’ position at the top of the Atlantic Division, a suspension will be held against him in any further disciplinary decisions. The automatic nature of this one likely means it won’t have a big impact, though he may now have to watch his step a little bit or face more severe punishment.