Scott Sabourin

When Scott Sabourin took a cheap shot at Igor Shesterkin after the whistle against Tampa Bay, Vladislav Gavrikov didn't hesitate to answer the bell. The Rangers' $7 million defenseman has become far more than the shutdown presence the team desperately needed on the blue line - he's emerged as the emotional backbone willing to protect his star goalie when it matters most.

The Battle of Florida explodes in preseason with 312 penalty minutes, 16 ejections, and Tampa Bay players now paying the price as the NHL's Department of Player Safety swings the hammer. Fines hit Lightning centers Carter Schmidt and Gage Goncalves for cross-checks, while Scott Sabourin faces a hearing for roughing Aaron Ekblad and J.J. Moser one for boarding Jesper Boqvist - suspensions loom large.