The play occurred in the final minutes of the first period, when Matheson and Staal were both chasing the puck. Matheson abruptly stopped, landing a reverse hit on Staal, who eventually had to leave the game. No penalty was called on the ice.
The 38 year old Staal has 7 goals and 14 points in 40 games this season. He didn't play in the league at all in 2021-22, instead captaining Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Only after impressing at training camp on a PTO did Staal cement a spot with this season's Panthers.