"Gary Bettman golden boy" "What a disgrace": NHL fans react as Oilers' Leon Draisaitl avoids suspension and fine for hit on Aleksander Barkov

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will not face suspension or a fine for his hit on Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. NHL fans have expressed their opinions on social media after the news surfaced on X following Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The announcement came via a tweet from B/R Open Ice, saying:

"Leon Draisaitl will not receive any supplemental discipline for his hit on Aleksander Barkov from Game 2, according to @FriedgeHNIC."

Opinions are divided, with most fans expressing outrage.

"What a disgrace 😭😭 cats in 5 #TimeToHunt anyway," one fan tweeted, voicing their disapproval.

"Gary bettman goldenboy," another fan wrote, mentioning NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

"Embarrassing look for the league. It’s now open season on 97," a fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"To be clear, that's no supplemental discipline *from the league* for the hit on Barkov. The lads from Florida might have some different plans for reprisal," a fan said.

"Makes sense. Bennett wasn't disciplined for the cheap shot on Marchand. We have consistency! @NHL," another fan said, citing an incident from the Florida-Boston series.

"He will have a major target on his back for game 3. NHL wont punish. Players will take matters into their own hands," a fan said.

"They wouldn't suspend him because it's the cup and one of the best players in the series but that hit was a textbook dirty hit," a fan said.

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Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl not facing discipline for hit on Panthers' Aleksander Barkov

Edmonton Oilers player Leon Draisaitl won't face further punishment for his hit on Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov.

Barkov left the game after the hit and didn't return. Draisaitl received a minor penalty for roughing but doesn't believe it was dirty. Barkov had a strong regular season with 80 points and has contributed significantly in the postseason with 19 points and six goals in 19 games.

Leon Draisaitl's hit, though potentially high, wasn't intended to injure according to him.

“I don’t think that’s frustration. It was just a hit. I don’t think there’s anything dirty about it. Maybe I got him a little high. Certainly not with intent to injure, though, or anything like that," Draisaitl said.

Barkov's absence from the game was notable, leaving with just under 10 minutes remaining in the final period.

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will now face off in Game 3 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final on Thursday, June 13. The game is set at 8 p.m. ET.