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Barkov Responds To Max Domi's Disgusting Cheap Shot to the Head in Game 4

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 14, 2025 3:37 PM ET

Aleksander Barkov was hit from behind by Max Domi in the closing moments of Game 4, but ahead of Game 5, he's not looking back and remains focused, as he was dismissive of the hit during his latest interview with the media.

The entire series between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs has been a war thus far, but at the end of Game 4, a hit from Max Domi may have turned up the intensity even more ahead of a pivotal Game 5.

The hit cost Max Domi $5,000 following a fine from the NHL's Department of Player Safety, but after the hit, Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk made sure to threaten their opponents for Game 5 after what was a disgusting hit from Max Domi.

Now, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has addressed the hit for the first time, and wanting to keep his focus on Game 5 and the series ahead, he didn't buy into the trash talk, and simply had this response:

"I didn't see it (he said with a smile)it's playoff hockey, so things happen."

While some Panthers fans would love to see him threaten Domi or even mention that Marchand, Bennett or Tkachuk would be out for blood in Game 5, he almost dismissed the hit from Domi as his team look to focus on winning their third straight game in this series.

This may have been his public answer, but behind the scenes, don't be surprised if he looks to answer this call with some physicality of his own, and whether it's Barkov or Domi or one of the many other physical players in this series, things could get crazy in Game 5.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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