The NHL issues stern warning to Bruins & Panthers ahead of game three

The highlight came late in the game when David Pastrnak of the Bruins and Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers dropped the gloves, setting off a melee that capped a night
charged with emotion.

This intense battle seemed to embody the spirit of playoff hockey, capturing the hearts of fans who revel in the physical back-and-forth that defines the postseason. However, in the lead-up to Game 3, the NHL has stepped in with warnings for both teams, signaling a tight leash moving forward.

The league issued a statement ahead of tonight's game, noting,

This intervention has not sat well with many, particularly given the buzz generated by the late-game antics. With fans eagerly anticipating the next instalment in this heated series, the NHL's crackdown could dampen the fervor typical of playoff hockey.

This shift reflects a broader trend under Commissioner Gary Bettman's tenure, marked by a move away from the rough-and-tumble play that many purists believe is a staple of the Stanley Cup playoffs. As the series progresses, it remains to be seen how these tensions and the league's regulatory gaze will shape the nature of the competition.