Tempers flared during the final moments of the Nashville Predators 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night, leaving several Preds players irate.
In a questionable move, with less than two seconds on the clock and the Predators comfortably leading, the Lightning's Austin Watson took a forceful slap shot from his own end. The puck struck Jeremy Lauzon in the shins, prompting Lauzon to express his displeasure by smacking his stick on the ice before limping off.
While it remains uncertain whether Watson's action was intentional, the unnecessary play stirred a scuffle around him. Preds head coach Andrew Brunette voiced his disapproval, stating,
"I did not like that at all. No place for that in the game. No place at all."
The incident raises questions about potential supplemental discipline for Watson, but as of now, there's no official word on any repercussions.