The Florida Panthers wrapped up the 2024-25 NHL regular season with a record of 47 wins, 31 losses, and 4 overtime losses, finishing third in the Atlantic Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference. Although they have not been able to duplicate last season’s Stanley Cup victory, the Panthers have secured a playoff spot for the sixth straight year. Sam Reinhart topped the team’s offensive charts with an impressive 39 goals and 81 points, while captain Aleksander Barkov delivered a standout performance with a team-leading 51 assists.

The Panthers faced a tough conclusion to the season, finishing with a record of 3-6-1 in their last 10 games, which included a significant 5-1 defeat against the Tampa Bay Lightning in their regular-season finale. Their next challenge is against the Lightning in the opening round of the playoffs, where Tampa Bay will enjoy the benefit of home-ice advantage. Currently, the team is facing yet another challenge.

The official account of NHL Player Safety announced on X that “Florida’s Jesse Puljujarvi will have a hearing tomorrow for an illegal check to the head against Tampa Bay’s Mitchell Chaffee.” What precisely transpired, then?

Florida Panthers forward Jesse Puljujarvi is set to face a disciplinary hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety after receiving a match penalty for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Mitchell Chaffee during Tuesday night’s game. The incident took place with 11:32 left in the third period as Chaffee, in possession of the puck in the offensive zone, was unexpectedly struck by Puljujarvi’s shoulder to the head.

Chaffee fell to the ice, igniting a chaotic scramble among players from both teams. A suspension stemming from the hearing would impact Puljujarvi’s readiness for the beginning of the playoffs. Clearly, the decision did not sit well with the Panthers fans at all.

Florida Panthers fans are backing up their player

Fans of the Florida Panthers recognize Jesse Puljujarvi’s skill. Any form of suspension could significantly impact the team’s prospects in the playoffs. As one fan expressed, “Why do you have hatred on the Panthers.” Another fan commented, “We all know you ain’t doing nothing.” A supporter of the Panthers forward expressed their stance, stating, “Free him he did nothing wrong.”

Puljujarvi’s 2024-25 NHL season unfolded with notable transitions and challenges. He kicked off the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, tallying 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) across 26 games before being put on waivers in late December. Following the completion of waivers, he secured a professional tryout with the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers.

Subsequently, he was elevated to the NHL roster, where he participated in five games, netting one goal and accumulating a single point. He remains a significant asset to the Panthers, thanks to his extensive playoff experience with multiple teams in the past. A fan expressed their frustration, stating, “Such a scam, he barely touched him!” Commenting on the incident on the ice, this fan remarked, “For Chaffee running into his shoulder?? Unreal.” The Panthers are poised to face numerous challenges in the playoffs, a situation that could be exacerbated if the NHL opts to suspend one of their forwards for several games.