Dangerous hit in Panthers-Lightning Game 3 leads to controversy

But there was some early controversy.

Late in the first period, Lightning forward Brandon Hagel caught Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen with a cross-check from a dangerous distance from the boards.

Watch it here:

Hagel was initially given a five-minute major for the penalty, but after review, it was reduced to just a two-minute minor for cross-checking.

Here's another angle of the hit:

It was definitely a dangerous play that could have stayed a major penalty. The 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs haven't been without their controversy, though!