The NHL's Department of Player Safety decided not to impose supplemental discipline on Matthew Tkachuk following his hit on Jake Guentzel during Game 3 of the Panthers-Lightning series. Tkachuk was already assessed a five-minute major penalty, and the incident was deemed less severe compared to Brandon Hagel's hit on Aleksander Barkov, which led to a one-game suspension. This decision has stirred some controversy, as both coaches exchanged barbs regarding hitting protocols.

Tkachuk, who leads the Panthers with three goals and an assist, is a pivotal player in this intense rivalry, as both teams have featured in the Stanley Cup Final over the past five seasons. With Game 4 on the horizon, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be another heated encounter.