During Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for hitting Canes forward Jackson Blake.
Luostarinen's hit happened at the 16:59 mark of the first period. Following receiving the hit, Blake's face was cut, and he went down the Hurricanes' tunnel to the room.
Luostarinen has been excellent for the Panthers this post-season and is a notable reason why they have made it this far in the playoffs. In 15 games during it, the 6-foot-3 forward has four goals, 13 points, and a plus-12 rating. This is after he recorded nine goals, 24 points, and a plus-12 rating in 80 regular-season games this year.
Now, the Panthers will need to continue the rest of Game 3 without Luostarinen from here. The Panthers finished the first period with a 1-0 lead over the Hurricanes.
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