Controversy hits NHL playoffs after two players use anti-gay slurs

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jun 05, 2025, 04:41 IST

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During the 2024-2025 NHL Playoffs, Trevor Zegras was suspended for using a gay slur, while Eric Staal faced no punishment for a similar accusation due to lack of clear video proof. This disparity has sparked outrage among fans, especially after the league's previous actions like banning Pride Tape. The NHL's commitment to LGBTQ+ support is now under scrutiny.

Controversy hits NHL playoffs after two players use anti-gay slurs (Image Source: Getty Images)

A serious incident happened during the NHL Playoffs. Two players were involved in a sensitive matter. The way the league responded has led to many questions. Fans and media are now paying close attention.

NHL faces backlash after two players use gay slur in playoffs

During the 2024–2025 NHL Playoffs, two players were heard using a gay slur. Both events happened on the ice during playoff games.The first incident happened in April 2025. Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks was caught on video using the slur. The video spread fast online. People reacted strongly. The NHL quickly suspended Zegras for two games. Many fans and sportswriters agreed with this punishment.The second case happened in May 2025. Eric Staal of the Florida Panthers was also accused of saying the same slur. But this time, the league gave no punishment. The NHL said there was no clear video proof. This decision upset many fans. They felt the league was not being fair.Both cases happened in big playoff games. One player got suspended. The other did not. Now people are asking why the rules seem different.Also Read: Eric Staal Returns To Buffalo Sabres As Special Assistant To GM Kevyn Adams

NHL’s past support and changing public view

The NHL once had a good image in LGBTQ support.

The league worked with the group “You Can Play.” Patrick Burke helped start this group. His goal was to make hockey safe for LGBTQ players and fans.But in 2023, things started to change. That year, the NHL banned Pride Tape. This rainbow-colored tape was used to show support during warm-ups. Also, Eric Staal and his brother Marc refused to wear rainbow jerseys. This happened in a Panthers game in 2023.Fans were not happy. Some felt the league no longer cared about the LGBTQ community.After the recent slur cases, more fans are upset. Outsports, a well-known LGBTQ sports site, did a poll. Many people said the NHL is now the least friendly league for LGBTQ rights. That includes the NFL, NBA, and MLB.The NHL has stayed mostly quiet about these latest issues. But fans, players, and media are watching. They want fair treatment and clear rules. The Stanley Cup Finals are coming soon. But off the ice, this issue is still making headlines.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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