In an unprecedented event, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steven Stamkos and Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews became the first players in NHL history, both with a 60-goal season under their belts, to engage in a fight on the ice. This memorable altercation took place during Game 3 of the first-round playoff series between the Lightning and the Maple Leafs, a fiercely competitive and intense series with the Leafs currently leading 2-1.
The video of the fight, which will be attached to this article, showcases the incredible passion and determination both players have for their respective teams. Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe commented on the incident, stating that the scrum where Stamkos grabbed Matthews was a “classic example” of Tampa “manipulating the officials.” Keefe has been vocal about his thoughts on the refs this series, and you can see here he’s still frustrated with them.
Stamkos, a Lightning legend with over 1,000 games played for the organization, achieved his 60-goal season during the 2011-2012 NHL campaign, scoring 60 goals and 37 assists for a total of 97 points in 82 games. Matthews reached this milestone last year, netting 60 goals and 46 assists for a remarkable 106 points in just 73 games.
This altercation between two of the league’s most talented superstars highlights the intensity of the playoff series between the Lightning and the Maple Leafs. Both teams are eager to prove themselves and secure victory, with the Lightning aiming to avenge their Game 7 loss to the Maple Leafs in last season’s first-round matchup.
As the series continues, fans can expect more high-stakes, thrilling action from these two formidable teams as they battle for a chance to advance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
