The NHL Makes a Decision on Max Domi's Questionable Punch to the Back of the Head of Adam Fantilli

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Chris Gerics
October 23, 2024 (1:15 PM)

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The NHL has made a decision regarding Max Domi's cheap shot to Columbus Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli and it may upset Blue Jackets fans due to the result.

During the NHL's 'Frozen Frenzy' which saw all 32 NHL teams in action, one of the games on the docket was a matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets. Toronto was absolutely dominated all night and looked a step behind the Blue Jackets, which could have been due to the fact the Leafs only had two hours to get to Nationwide Arena in Columbus and were ill-prepared for the game.

One Maple Leaf in particular who had a rough night was forward Max Domi. After Domi's blistering start to the season, he looked out of place last night and put together his worst game of the season by far:

So his frustrations eventually boiled over and Domi took a cheap shot to the back of the Blue Jackets' Adam Fantilli head leading to a bit of drama. Right after a faceoff, Domi wound up and laid the shot into the back of Fantilli's head. Many thought Domi landed the butt end of his stick on Fantilli and could have seriously injured him. The NHL however did not agree, and Domi is not going to receive any punishment for the cheap shot:

This news will undoubtedly upset Blue Jackets fans though, the league's precedent for letting some questionable things go while enforcing others too strictly was on full display. Jacob Trouba avoided a suspension for a nasty hit on Montreal Canadiens defenseman Justin Barron last night and that looked ten times worse than Domi's shot. Domi's punishment was the humiliation the Maple Leafs suffered last night in addition to his atrocious performance, so nothing else is needed beyond that. It's also not the first time that Fantilli was on the receiving end of a brutal play after being welcomed to the NHL by TJ Oshie.

Max Domi avoided suspension or any type of punishment for his actions against Adam Fantilli, but instead of directing all the vitriol towards Domi, perhaps the Blue Jackets fans need to start getting angry at the Player Safety Department instead for doing nothing about it.