BUFFALO, N.Y. — The NHL is investigating the circumstances that led to this tampa bay lightning Ahead Pontus Holmberg He injured his left hand when he collided with the unlatched penalty box door on Monday night.
A league spokesman had no further comment in response to Lightning coach John Cooper’s question about whether the penalty box operator should be fired for what happened in the Lightning’s third period. lost 4-2 In Buffalo.
“I don’t know who’s manning the penalty box there, but I don’t know if they should continue their job after what happened in there, like leaving the door open,” Cooper said.
“It could have hurt either team,” he said. “They’re just dangerous situations, so there’s a little disappointment on my part.”
Holmberg, who did not return, was seen wearing his left arm in a sling after the game.
When Cooper was asked about the player’s condition, he said, “Not good,” before abruptly ending the post-game news conference.
“Must be fired,” power forward Brandon Hagel Said upon leaving the locker room and hearing discussion about what happened.
Holmberg was injured after a clear open-ice check by Buffalo. Peyton Crabs. Holmberg lost his balance and fell awkwardly into the penalty box door, which opened upon impact, before the penalty box official could close it.
Holmberg was examined just as the officer was opening the door to release Buffalo zach bensonWhose roughing mine was coming to an end.
Benson’s penalty was overturned with 7:20 remaining, and the game stopped at 7:16 with Holmberg writhing in pain on the ice.
Cooper’s frustration stemmed from losing another player to injury. Lightning is already missing the captain Victor Hedman (personal leisure) as well as Hegel (lower body), Scott Sabourin (lower body) and Anthony Cirelli (Undisclosed).
The coaches were also unhappy with the number of penalties imposed by officials against both teams. Buffalo was issued seven minor penalties, and Tampa Bay was issued six minor penalties in the meeting of the two teams, who are now tied in the Atlantic Division standings with 102 points each.
Cooper said, “So many penalties that weren’t even penalties. I don’t know.”
He said, “It changes the way both teams play. I mean, what are we doing? It’s a penalty every time you touch someone? Come on. Let the teams play.” “That’s why everyone packed this building tonight. It took the fun out of the game.”
Although there was playfulness in Monday night’s game, it lacked the intense intensity of the teams’ memorable performance a month earlier. Buffalo squandered a three-goal lead and then came back from two goals down to win 8–7 in a contest that featured more than 100 penalty minutes.
