Jordin Tootoo Didn’t Want to Give Panthers a Boost

“He asked,” Tootoo confirmed to NJ Advance Media. “I knew it was coming. They brought him there for that. He’s an honest guy. So am I. I gave him my opinion. With the lead, I wasn’t going to give them any momentum.”

It was captain Bryce Salvador who ultimately felt the time was right to fight Thornton with 19.2 seconds remaining in the first period. Salvador did a good job against a respected fighter and wound up on top of Thornton as they tumbled to the ice.