The Florida Panthers may have tied their playoff series with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but Game 5 comes with a cloud of controversy. The Panthers will be without one of their key contributors, Evan Rodrigues , who was injured during Game 4 in what fans believe was a dirty play by the Leafs.
Evan Rodrigues ruled out for Game 5 after controversial hit in Game 4
Evan Rodrigues was forced to leave Game 4 during the third period following a hard hit from Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Initially assessed a five-minute major, the penalty was reduced to a two-minute minor for interference upon review. However, the hit’s consequences proved significant, as Rodrigues has not recovered fully and is officially ruled out for Game 5.
NHL insider Chris Johnston broke the news on X, quoting Panthers head coach Paul Maurice : “Evan Rodrigues is out for Game 5, per Paul Maurice. He’ll be replaced by Jesper Boqvist .”
Rodrigues has been a critical player for the Panthers this season, recording 15 goals and 17 assists. His absence comes at a crucial time as Florida attempts to gain its first lead in the series.
Fans erupt online, calling Maple Leafs tactics ‘dirty’ and ‘pathetic’
The fallout from Rodrigues' injury has triggered a firestorm on social media. Panthers fans lashed out, accusing the Leafs of targeting their players. One fan raged, “Dirty #Leafs forever intentionally injuring Florida players. Disgusting and pathetic.”
Another added: “This can’t be right, I was assured by Leafs fans he was faking it,” mocking earlier claims that Rodrigues was embellishing.
The debate intensified as Max Domi ’s hit on Aleksander Barkov earlier in the series was also cited as evidence of Toronto’s aggressive play. Some fans are even demanding league intervention: “Leafs need to stop getting a free pass as a league favorite and be held accountable! Soo dirty,” wrote one angry X user.
Also Read: Is Sidney Crosby the greatest leader in hockey — and how does he keep doing it year after year?
Despite the noise, others pointed out the physical nature of playoff hockey and questioned whether the Panthers are simply reacting out of frustration. Still, with Rodrigues sidelined, Florida will need a strong response in Game 5 to keep momentum alive. Jesper Boqvist steps in under pressure as fans wait to see whether the Panthers can channel their anger into victory.
Evan Rodrigues ruled out for Game 5 after controversial hit in Game 4
Evan Rodrigues was forced to leave Game 4 during the third period following a hard hit from Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Initially assessed a five-minute major, the penalty was reduced to a two-minute minor for interference upon review. However, the hit’s consequences proved significant, as Rodrigues has not recovered fully and is officially ruled out for Game 5.
Evan Rodrigues is out for Game 5, per Paul Maurice. He'll be replaced by Jesper Boqvist.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 14, 2025
NHL insider Chris Johnston broke the news on X, quoting Panthers head coach Paul Maurice : “Evan Rodrigues is out for Game 5, per Paul Maurice. He’ll be replaced by Jesper Boqvist .”
Rodrigues has been a critical player for the Panthers this season, recording 15 goals and 17 assists. His absence comes at a crucial time as Florida attempts to gain its first lead in the series.
Fans erupt online, calling Maple Leafs tactics ‘dirty’ and ‘pathetic’
The fallout from Rodrigues' injury has triggered a firestorm on social media. Panthers fans lashed out, accusing the Leafs of targeting their players. One fan raged, “Dirty #Leafs forever intentionally injuring Florida players. Disgusting and pathetic.”
Dirty #LeafsForever intentionally injuring Florida players. Disgusting and pathetic.
— Daniel Otero (@OteroGetsDinero) May 14, 2025
Another added: “This can’t be right, I was assured by Leafs fans he was faking it,” mocking earlier claims that Rodrigues was embellishing.
The debate intensified as Max Domi ’s hit on Aleksander Barkov earlier in the series was also cited as evidence of Toronto’s aggressive play. Some fans are even demanding league intervention: “Leafs need to stop getting a free pass as a league favorite and be held accountable! Soo dirty,” wrote one angry X user.
Also Read: Is Sidney Crosby the greatest leader in hockey — and how does he keep doing it year after year?
Despite the noise, others pointed out the physical nature of playoff hockey and questioned whether the Panthers are simply reacting out of frustration. Still, with Rodrigues sidelined, Florida will need a strong response in Game 5 to keep momentum alive. Jesper Boqvist steps in under pressure as fans wait to see whether the Panthers can channel their anger into victory.
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