Maple Leafs fans are angry after hit by Eetu Luostarinen, here's what the refs told Scott Laughton
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Jonathan Ouimet
Jan 8, 2026 (0:45)
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Photo credit: www.yardbarker.com
Tempers exploded in Toronto after Eetu Luostarinen's hit from behind sent Scott Laughton headfirst into the boards during the Florida Panthers' 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The collision came midway through the second period. Luostarinen, 25, charged toward Laughton and made contact squarely in the back, sending the 29-year-old Leafs forward crashing awkwardly into the glass. Laughton lay on the ice bleeding before skating off under his own power.
No penalty was called on the play. That non-call quickly became the night's biggest story. Florida has now dropped three of its last four games, slipping to 10th in the Eastern Conference, while Toronto sits one spot behind at 11th. Both teams are struggling to find consistency.
After the game, Laughton told reporters what the referees said to him.
«They said I saw him coming,» Laughton told reporters, according to NHL.com .
A comment that infuriated Leafs fans online. Many pointed to the replay showing Laughton facing the boards as contact was made.Eetu Luostarinen hit fuels fan anger toward Florida Panthers
The hit reignited an old storyline around the Panthers' physical edge. Over the past two seasons, Florida built a reputation for crossing the line-winning two Stanley Cups along the way but earning little goodwill. Critics argue their stars often avoid serious discipline for reckless plays.
Fans flooded social media demanding league action against Luostarinen, calling it a textbook boarding infraction.
Analytically, the frustration runs deeper than one incident. Toronto's penalty kill has already surrendered 27 power-play goals this season, so missing an opportunity to go up a man in that moment only worsened the sting.
For Leafs supporters, it felt like another night where officiating overshadowed the game. For Florida fans, it's another chapter in a mounting narrative that their team's intensity too often veers into recklessness.
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