Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (81) has blood coming down his eyebrow after fighting Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg (94) during the third period at FLA Live Arena. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Department of Player Safety handed down an automatic punishment, suspending Florida Panthers forward Ryan Lomberg one game for instigating a fight in the final five minutes of regulation. Head coach Andrew Brunette also received a $10,000 fine.

When Lomberg confronted Erik Cernak in the final minutes of a 8-4 Tampa Bay Lightning win, he earned himself a standing ovation from the crowd in Florida but will now have to miss a tune-up game before the playoffs. The bang-and-crash forward ended up with 27 minutes in penalties in what was a very physical game and will be held out against the Boston Bruins Tuesday night.

Brunette meanwhile earned himself a misconduct Sunday night, as he was ejected from the match following the fight. The coach’s wallet will also be a little lighter, as he faces a fine that is actually a good bit higher than the usual DoPS player punishment, as negotiated by the CBA.

While it doesn’t really matter if Lomberg sits out a game given the Panthers’ position at the top of the Atlantic Division, a suspension will be held against him in any further disciplinary decisions. The automatic nature of this one likely means it won’t have a big impact, though he may now have to watch his step a little bit or face more severe punishment.

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