The NHL has levied significant fines and suspensions against the Tampa Bay Lightning following a fiery preseason game against the Florida Panthers on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The game, which ended with a 7-0 victory for the Panthers, was marred by excessive penalties, ejections, and a general lack of control, prompting the league to take disciplinary action.
The Tampa Bay Lightning organization has been fined $100,000, and head coach Jon Cooper has been fined $25,000 for their roles in the events that transpired. The NHL will direct the fine money to the Club Fine Fund, which supports charitable causes.
In addition to the organization and coaching fines, the NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended two Lightning players and fined two others. Forward Scott Sabourin received a four-game suspension for roughing Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. The hit occurred early in the first period and set a tone for the remainder of the game, which saw a total of 65 penalties and 312 penalty minutes handed out. Sabourin will also forfeit $16,145.84 as a result of the suspension.
Defenseman J.J. Moser has been suspended for two games for boarding Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist. Moser was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for the hit. He will forfeit $35,156.26.
Defenseman Roman Schmidt was fined $2,098.52, and winger Gage Goncalves was fined $3,125 for cross-checking. These fines represent the maximum amount allowed under the NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The game was unusually contentious, even for a preseason match, with 16 ejections occurring. At one point, the Lightning had more coaches than players on the bench due to the number of players in the penalty box. The high number of penalties and ejections led to confusion, with one Florida goal initially being credited but later disallowed because a player involved had been ejected earlier in the game.
Lightning coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the unusual circumstances after the game. Florida forward Evan Rodrigues described the game as "silly" and "stupid," stating that "It wasn't really hockey out there".
The Lightning had called up six players from their AHL affiliate in Syracuse for the game. These players accounted for 77 penalty minutes, and five of the six received either a match penalty, misconduct, or game misconduct. It is unclear when Sabourin will serve his suspension, as he was sent back to Syracuse following the game.
The Lightning are scheduled to open their regular season at home against the Chicago Blackhawks.
