As the clock wound down in the third period of the Predators' 5-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning last night, Austin Watson of the Lightning opted to fiercely slap the puck from his team's end. The shot struck Jeremy Lauzon in the shins, resulting in Lauzon's visible displeasure. Lauzon expressed his frustration by smacking his stick on the ice before eventually rising and limping off the ice. Meanwhile, there was a commotion around Watson, who swiftly made his way off the ice.
There is speculation about whether Watson had any intention to cause harm in this situation. Regardless, with a 5-1 deficit and merely seconds remaining on the clock, this action was entirely unnecessary. Predators Head Coach Andrew Brunette expressed his dissatisfaction with the unfolding events.
