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NHL DoPS Makes Official Decision on Max Domi's Suspension Fate After Elbow to Barkov's Head

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated May 12, 2025 11:57 AM ET

The NHL Department of Player Safety has issued a ruling on the controversial hit by Toronto's Max Domi on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov at the end of Game 4.

We've officially got ourselves a series, as the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs are now tied 2-2 following Florida's 2-0 win over Toronto on Sunday night.

What was once a 2-0 lead is now a 2-2 tie; the Panthers won 5-4 in OT in Game 3 followed by Sunday's win.

There was a controversial play at the end of Game 4 that saw Toronto's Max Domi level Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov from behind, sending him into the boards and sparking an on-ice melee.

And now, the ruling has been issued. Domi avoided a suspension, but will have to pay $5,000 in a fine.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice said that he expected the NHL DOPS to take care of the incident.

I think that the league looks at those things very closely, especially at that point in the game. That's their job.

There was also some notable conversation between Florida's Matthew Tkachuk and Toronto's William Nylander; the former told the latter that he'd be coming for him in Game 5.

When asked about the conversation, Nylander simply said that Game 5 should be fun for both sides.

He'll probably do whatever he can do to get a player off their game. Next game is going to be a fun one.

So far in the postseason, Domi has 4 points (2G, 2A); he scored the OT GWG in Game 2 of their opening round series against the divisional foe Ottawa Senators, a series Toronto eventually won in 6 games.

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

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