Max Domi Fined $5,000 for Boarding Barkov in Game 4

NEW YORK – Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi has been fined $5,000, the highest amount permitted under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for boarding Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov during Game 4 of their Second Round series on Sunday, May 11. The National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced the fine on May 12.

The incident took place at 19:52 in the third period, as Domi collided with Barkov near the boards, prompting a major penalty for boarding. The fine will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The Panthers won the game 2-0, leveling the series at 2-2.

“I think the league looks at those things very closely, especially at that point in the game and that’s their job,” stated Panthers head coach Paul Maurice after the game.

Domi, 30, has had a productive season, tallying eight points and 25 assists for the Maple Leafs. Conversely, Barkov, 29, has recorded 20 goals and 51 assists in 67 games this season.

Game 5 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Ontario, where home teams have been undefeated thus far in this playoffs.

This incident has intensified scrutiny on the NHL’s disciplinary policies. Florida center Sam Bennett commented, “It’s been a physical series, so I expect more of that,” while Domi’s hit sparked debates among fans and analysts over perceived inconsistencies in penalty enforcement.

Later, Toronto head coach weighed in, suggesting a previous hit by Dmitry Kulikov on Mitch Marner was more dangerous but went unpenalized. “To me, the Kulikov hit was 10 times worse,” he said, highlighting frustrations with the disciplinary process.

As the tension builds ahead of Game 5, both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense affair.