The NHL Department of Player Safety fined both Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dallas Stars winger Jamie Benn $5,000 after Saturday’s action.
Kuznetsov was fined for high-sticking Florida Panthers center Noel Acciari late in the first period of Game 3. The two players got into an exchange after a whistle, and then Kuznetsov poked Acciari in the chin with the blade of his stick. Both players were taken back to their benches by the referees and didn’t receive penalties for the play.
Kuznetsov hasn’t quite found the offensive touch we’re used to so far in these playoffs, as he has just one goal in three games so far against the Panthers.
Benn was fined for high-sticking Calgary Flames winger Andrew Mangiapane midway through the second period of Game 3. There was chaos by the net on a play, and Mangiapane found himself pushed down into the mesh on the back of the net by Stars defenseman Ryan Suter. Benn, who was in the crease helping keep the puck in Jake Oettinger’s pads, poked Mangiapane in the face with his stick, with the mesh in between.
Benn’s scoring struggles from the regular season have continued so far in the post season, with no points so far through three games against the Flames.
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