With the game tied and just over six minutes remaining, there was a mishap with the puck drop by the linesman. Despite this, the Capitals managed to win the faceoff, only for the play to be quickly halted. However, the Panthers, known for their aggressive play, seized the opportunity to take a cheap shot.
As Alex Ovechkin controlled the puck, a Panthers forward delivered a slash to his hand, sparking a confrontation on the ice.