Overview of the Hearings
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that two Tampa Bay Lightning players, J.J. Moser and Scott Sabourin, will each have a hearing on Monday regarding their actions in the team’s preseason game against the Florida Panthers. The league outlined the grounds under review as boarding for Moser and roughing for Sabourin, with the possibility of adjustments upon review.
The announcements come after a competitive but frustrating preseason tilt between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. The teams met in Sunrise, Florida, with the Panthers dominating offensively in a 7-0 result that underscored the intensity and physicality typical of these two franchises at the start of the season.
Details of the Incidents
Moser, a Lightning defenseman, is being evaluated for boarding a Panthers center, Jesper Boqvist, at 13:58 of the first period. The board occurred during a play that did not result in Boqvist leaving the ice due to injury, according to available reports. Moser received a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct, which contributed to the Sharks’ 7-0 scoreline on the night. The league has not indicated any reported injury to Boqvist as a consequence of the hit, but the play was reviewed under the Department of Player Safety guidelines for potential supplemental discipline.
Sabourin, a Lightning forward, is facing discipline for roughing against Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Sabourin’s actions occurred early in the game, with the roughing incident noted at 2:18 of the first period. Sabourin was assessed a match penalty on the play, a sign that the contact was deemed more aggressive or dangerous than typical penalties. Ekblad left the game and did not return, though the league has not confirmed a direct injury linked to Sabourin’s hit at this time. Still, the match penalty and the context of the roughing charge have elevated the scrutiny on Sabourin’s conduct in the contest.
What the NHL Is Reviewing
The Department of Player Safety outlined that the grounds being considered for supplemental discipline are boarding for Moser and roughing for Sabourin. It is common for the league to review a broader context when determining discipline, including the players’ intent, the severity of impact, the outcome of the hit, and any potential injuries. The DoPS retains the right to modify the infraction upon review, which means the final classification could differ from the initial penalties recorded on the ice.
These hearings are part of the NHL’s ongoing effort to maintain player safety while balancing the competitive nature of preseason games. The Lightning and Panthers both will be watching closely as discipline decisions can influence early-season roster decisions and, in some cases, fan reactions given the historical rivalry between the teams.
Impact on the Teams Moving Forward
For the Lightning, the hearings could affect depth options and line combinations as the team continues to prepare for the regular season. The status of Sabourin and his availability in upcoming preseason games or early-season fixtures may hinge on the final discipline decision. For Moser, the major penalty and potential supplementary discipline could influence his role and ice time as the Lightning evaluate defensive partnerships and specialization in a challenging schedule ahead.
The Panthers, who faced a 7-0 setback in the same game, will monitor the developments as they refine their line matchups and respond to any changes in the opposition’s lineup that could arise from disciplinary measures. The DoPS announcements provide clarity for both teams and help set expectations for how similar incidents will be handled in future matchups between these clubs.
What to Watch Next
- Official DoPS decision on Monday following the hearings and any additional evidence considered.
- Whether the league adjusts the infraction labels after review (e.g., from roughing to another category or adjusted severity).
- Implications for player availability and lineup decisions as the season approaches.
As both teams await the Department of Player Safety’s ruling, fans and media will closely analyze how the league balances accountability with the high-energy style that characterizes Tampa Bay versus Florida matchups.
