Florida Panthers forward facing suspension after Game 3 ejection

In what was a crushing hit on the Carolina Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake, Eetu Luostarinen could find himself on the end of DOPS discipline.

This was after he was ejected for laying an egregious, albeit crushing hit, on Blake, with 3 minutes remaining during the opening period of Game 3.

Luostarinen would be ejected from the game due to the dangerous nature of the hit, sending Blake into the boards, while the Finnish forward acted recklessly.

Blake's head would be sent into the boards, and would remain on the ice afterwards. Luostarinen would be sent to the penalty box, while Blake would be bleeding out on the ice.

Originally, Luostarinen was sent to the box with a 5-minute penalty warranting a review. That would quickly evolve into the Finn being ejected from the game for his callous hit on the rookie.

The bad blood between the Panthers is ever more present, as Game 3 is a pivotal point for both teams.

One more game for the Panthers means the Canes will be that much closer to elimination. For the Canes this is survival, and the brutality of Luostarinen's play is either pure arrogance or carelessness.

Either way, you should expect him to answer the bell if he's not out for the rest of this series.

Fortunately, Blake is ok, but we should strap in and expect Luostarinen to be disciplined by George Parros and the Department of Player Safety.