In a gritty game between the Arizona Coyotes and Florida Panthers, both teams clearly did not like each other last night, resulting in the possibility that one player may be fined, suspended or both.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Coyotes veteran Jason Zucker will be having a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety following him boarding and interfering with Panthers forward Nick Cousins.
Arizona’s Jason Zucker will have a hearing later this evening for boarding/interference on Florida’s Nick Cousins.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 3, 2024
Due to huge collisions and dangerous plays, there was a combined 63 penalty minutes on the 200-foot sheet of ice.
Florida ended up winning the contest 4-1 off of three goals scored in the third period, but there was a glaring moment in the game that took the spotlight.
Trying to keep the puck in the Coyotes offensive zone, defenseman Juuso Välimäki dropped to both of his knees and attempted to block it for exiting.
A couple seconds later, Cousins came in and delivered a late hit on Välimäki, who was unable to avoid the collision.
Things got nasty between Jason Zucker and Nick Cousins at the end of the 2nd period tonight 😳 pic.twitter.com/CgmfIFz76g
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 3, 2024
However, after Cousins tried to skate off, Zucker decided to crosscheck him from behind, sending Cousins to the boards before falling to the ice.
A scrum began between both teams before Zucker and Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling dropped the gloves and fought.
It is unknown whether this hearing will indeed result in a punishment for Zucker.
There is still no information on if Cousins will have a hearing himself, at the time of reporting.
Stay up-to-date with Burn City Sports when more news surrounding this developing situation is released.
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Alec Cipollini is a reporter of the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
