Max Domi Gets Match Penalty for Sucker Punching Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad

Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Domi. Photo by David Kirouac/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9887350br)

Montreal Canadiens’ Max Domi was ejected from Wednesday’s preseason game against the Florida Panthers after sucker punching Aaron Ekblad in the nose.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Panthers’ goalkeeper Roberto Luongo called the act “gutless” and said the league would look into the matter for further action.

“I’m sure the league will look at it and we definitely won’t forget about it,” – Luongo said. “You don’t do that. You respect your opponents and if your opponent doesn’t want to engage in a fight, there’s no reason to drop your glove and punch him square in the face. Bit of a gutless play. You don’t do those types of things.”

Domi initiated the fight by tugging Ekblad’s shirt as his team trailed 2-1 at the start of the third period. He asked the Panthers’ defensive player for a fight. When Ekblad declined, the 23-year-old punched him twice. The Canadiens’ player then removed his gloves and sucker punched his Canadian compatriot in the nose.

Ekblad did not complete the game, in which the Panthers’ won 5-2 at the request of the NHL. He was tested for concussions afterward but the blows turned out not to be serious. Still, the matter is not yet over. The NHL player safety is expected to review the incident and decide whether to punish Domi further.