As the first game of the Eastern Conference finals came to a close the Boston Bruins’ Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton decide to send a message to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The message was of a physical nature as Horton and Lucic both delivered cheap shots to Tampa players. Tampa did not retaliate and Horton and Lucic were both give two minutes for roughing and ten minute misconduct penalties.
The NHL has frowned on actions such as these so late in games that are effectively over, there could possibly be additional penalties for Horton and Lucic due to their actions.
Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher showed a great deal of class when he kept his first power play unit on the bench during the ensuing five-on-three power play. Boucher could have easily sent out his first power play unit and attempted to run up the score, punishing the Bruins for their actions, instead he took the high road, keeping his stars on the bench.