Tampa Bay’s Scott Sabourin four games and J.J. Moser two games; Lightning fined 100,000 and coach Jon Cooper 25,000 after a penalty-laden preseason finale with Florida. Six Lightning AHL call-ups from Syracuse piled up 77 penalty minutes as chaos dominated the game, which featured 65 penalties, 13 game misconducts and 312 total penalty minutes.

Ekblad left early but practiced Monday and is expected to play Tuesday against Chicago. Moser’s boarding on Boqvist and a tangle surrounding Niko Mikkola’s earlier ejection produced a disallowed Boqvist goal and a night where benches swelled and focus shifted from hockey to discipline, setting a sharp contrast ahead of the season opener.

Florida Panthers routed the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-0 in a preseason clash that turned into a penalties symphony, with 65 infractions for 312 minutes and 13 game misconducts. The chaos overshadowed the score as off-ice officials wiped a late eighth goal after realizing Niko Mikkola had been ejected earlier in the period. The night highlighted the rivalry’s edge and left fantasy managers eyeing how discipline and line changes could shape early-season roles.

Key moments included Scott Sabourin’s 19-second major on Aaron Ekblad and a flurry of power plays for Florida (17 chances). Jesper Boqvist scored what would have been the eighth Panthers goal before the tally was ruled off, underscoring the unpredictable nature of preseason optics as the teams prepare for the regular season.

Ovechkin’s future after this season remains murky, with insiders saying no one can predict his next move—sign another contract, chase 1,000 NHL goals, or retire. If he stays productive, fantasy managers should plan around a high-volume goal scorer who anchors Washington’s offense and PP units.

Matthew Tkachuk’s injury timeline dominates Panthers projections. A possible surgery could sideline him 3–5 months, which explains why Florida didn’t rush Evan Rodrigues or other moves to clear cap space. Rodrigues could see increased run as the Panthers juggle top-line production and depth. Rumors tying Nashville and Edmonton to roster moves, plus Mason McTavish’s Anaheim hold, underline how injuries and contract talks ripple through lineups.

These conversations highlight the volatility of star decisions and how injuries reshape fantasy value. Managers should track return windows, cap dynamics, and who steps up in Florida and Anaheim or in rumored Nashville/Edmonton moves to find viable streaming or buy-low targets as the season unfolds.

The Florida Panthers continue to dominate the NHL, clinching their second consecutive Stanley Cup title and securing a spot in the finals for the third year in a row. Their off-season strategy has focused on retaining their core players, defying expectations amidst financial constraints. Notably, Evan Rodrigues, a pivotal contributor with 15 goals and 17 assists in the regular season, has found himself at the center of trade rumors. However, recent insights from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggest these trade talks may have been exaggerated, allowing the Panthers to keep their key players intact as they pursue a historic three-peat.

The Florida Panthers are currently facing a salary cap crunch, exceeding the limit by over $3 million. Evan Rodrigues, who carries a $3 million cap hit, is emerging as a potential trade candidate, drawing interest from several teams. The situation may be alleviated if Matthew Tkachuk is placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) while he continues to recover from a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia, which could potentially delay the team's cap issues.

Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson, the Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman, has also sparked trade discussions, particularly as the Penguins explore options to maximize their roster amid a tight cap situation. Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators are considered possible landing spots for Karlsson, given their various needs for defensive talent. However, any potential move would require salary retention or trades to accommodate his substantial $10 million cap hit.