The National Hockey League has issued fines to Montreal Canadiens players Beck Malenstyn and Arber Xhekaj for their actions during Game 3 of the playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres. The league announced the disciplinary measures on Monday, citing violations of NHL rules during the heated contest.
Malenstyn fined for interference
Forward Beck Malenstyn was fined $5,000 for interference on Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. The incident occurred late in the second period when Malenstyn delivered a hit that was deemed to have targeted Dahlin's head area. The Sabres blueliner was shaken up on the play but remained in the game.
Xhekaj penalized for roughing
Defenseman Arber Xhekaj received a $3,000 fine for roughing after a scrum following the final whistle. Xhekaj was involved in an altercation with Sabres forward Tage Thompson, throwing several punches before officials intervened. The fine is the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement for such infractions.
Both players have been regular contributors for the Canadiens during the postseason, with Xhekaj providing physical play and Malenstyn adding depth scoring. The Canadiens currently trail the series 2-1 after a 4-2 loss in Game 3.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety reviewed the incidents and determined that supplemental discipline was warranted. Neither player will serve a suspension, allowing them to be available for Game 4 on Tuesday night.
The Sabres have not commented on the fines, but head coach Don Granato expressed frustration with what he perceived as late hits and extracurricular activity in the previous game. The series has been marked by intense physical play, with both teams exchanging hard hits and post-whistle scrums.
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, where the Canadiens will look to even the series before heading back to Buffalo.
