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.
Too bad the “automatic” suspension was NOT enforced on Malkin in the 2009 SCF. He instead was rewarded with the Conn Smythe. One of the reasons Mike Illich would not shake Bettman’s hand after the series, and why Bettman hates the Wings.
Lomberg with the cheap stuff at the end, guess he feels the need to do that crap to keep his roster spot. Glad the NHL DoPS suspended him a game. GO BOLTS!
Lomberg is neither talented nor feared, just a parasite pest. Weak effort for the dirty Panthers.
Brunette got fined twice as much as players (that make way more than he does) who slew-foot, slash, and hit up high. DoPS needs a change