Jeff Romance-Imagn Images

NHL Announces Punishment Decision After Panthers-Lightning Incidents

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 6:30 AM ET

The NHL's Department of Player Safety disciplined two players on Sunday, following a penalty-filled game between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Ahead of the game, the NHL had warned both teams to keep things under control and not to "go over the line," according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The NHL announced that Tampa Bay forward Scott Sabourin and Florida forward Anton Lundell have both been fined for different infractions during the Lightning's 4–2 win over the Panthers on Saturday.

Sabourin was fined $2,018.23 for slashing Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola early in the third period. Lundell received a $5,000 fine for high-sticking Lightning forward Jake Guentzel late in the second.

Fines from last night’s #TimeToHunt v. #GoBolts game:

• Anton Lundell fined $5,000 (max allowable under CBA) for high-sticking Jake Guentzel

• Scott Sabourin fined $2,018.23 (max allowable under CBA) for slashing Niko Mikkola pic.twitter.com/KgK5TIPoJ7
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 28, 2025

Both fines represent the maximum allowable under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement for the respective infractions. The money from each will be directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The NHL’s official statements confirmed the timing of each incident: Sabourin’s slash came at 1:31 of the third period, while Lundell’s high stick occurred at 17:54 of the second frame.

Tampa Bay recalled Sabourin earlier in the day, and he totaled 26 penalty minutes in the game against the Panthers alone, the most of any player, including minors for slashing and roughing, and two misconducts.

Sabourin had previously been suspended for four games and forfeited over $16,000 for his role in a brawl between the same teams during the preseason. Lundell had not been punished by the NHL before.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon (5) and Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Scott Sabourin (46) fight at Prudential Center.Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Saturday’s matchup marked the most penalties in an NHL game since 2011. The Panthers and Lightning combined for 45 total infractions and 136 penalty minutes.

Tampa Bay’s 26 penalties were a new regular-season franchise record, while Florida’s 19 tied for the fourth-most in club history.

The next meeting between the Panthers and Lightning is scheduled for Feb. 5 in Tampa.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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