Mar 20, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) clears a loose puck as Columbus Blue Jackets left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) look for the rebound during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

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NHL Fines Niko Mikkola for Controversial Slapshot in Panthers vs. Canadiens Game

Florida’s Niko Mikkola fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after a late-game slapshot nearly hit Montreal’s David Savard, sparking tensions.

Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola has landed in hot water with the NHL after an intense moment in Sunday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. On Monday, the league’s Department of Player Safety announced that Mikkola was fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct in an incident that escalated tensions between the two teams.

With just seconds left on the clock in a 4-2 loss to Montreal, Mikkola found himself in possession of the puck deep in Florida’s defensive zone. Instead of a routine clear or simply letting the buzzer sound, he wound up for a powerful slapshot. He sent the puck hurtling down the ice, coming dangerously close to Canadiens defenseman David Savard, who was standing nearly 150 feet away. Understandably, Montreal’s players were furious, immediately confronting Mikkola as tempers flared. Officials had to step in, trying to separate both teams and usher them off the ice.

Panthers’ Niko Mikkola fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct against Canadiens https://t.co/aB3phygHK5
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) March 31, 2025

The game’s official score sheet shows that Mikkola was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct along with a ten-minute misconduct. But the discipline didn’t stop there. Less than a day after the game, the NHL handed down the maximum fine allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, $5,000. While it’s a small dent in a professional athlete’s salary, the fine sends a clear message about the league’s stance on unnecessary and potentially dangerous plays.

Mikkola’s slapshot may not have caused an injury, but it certainly added fuel to the fire between these two teams. With emotions already running high as they battle for crucial points in the standings, the fallout from this incident could spill over into their rematch on Tuesday night in Montreal. The Canadiens, no doubt, will remember what happened and might look for a way to respond on the ice.

Games between Florida and Montreal have been heated before, but this latest chapter adds another layer of drama. Whether this turns into a full-blown rivalry remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: when these two teams meet again, the intensity will be off the charts.

Image Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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