Erik Gudbranson got spoiled. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
In the match between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Florida Panthers, emotions got heated.
The most telling situation was seen in the third period, when the Panthers Nick Cousins you tackled badly Erik Gudbranson from the back side.
The Blue Jackets defenseman didn’t like the staple at all. He was on the ice for a moment, but quickly bounced back up and tried to get revenge on Cousins. However, Panthers players and referees were able to prevent this.
Cousins was about to be ejected for his tackle, but after video review, the referee changed it to a two-minute penalty. Gudbranson himself received a two-minute suspension for violence. The big defenseman even shouted at Cousins from the ice bench.
After cooling off, Gudbranson went after Cousins. The Columbus pack first forced Cousins’ head to the surface of the ice and then started beating Cousins in the neck with all his might. The Panthers player was just trying to protect himself.
– A completely absurd and unintelligent course of action. Shouldn’t play in many other games, Esa Pirnes said on Viaplay’s broadcast.
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Florida eventually won the match 5–2.
The Panthers quickly took the lead in the opening set of the match. Gustav Forsling scored a 1–0 lead after just one minute of play.
Columbus leveled with Yegor Tshinahov’s strike. Carter Verhaeghe and Aleksander Barkov gave Florida a 3–1 lead.
Dmitry Voronkov brought the Blue Jackets within a goal, but Matthew Tkachuk and Eetu Luostarinen finished with an empty net for a final score of 5–2.