Hurricanes' Ian Cole fined $5,000 for kneeing Jets' Mark Scheifele
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Ian Cole avoided what some would've deemed a justifiable suspension for his actions in Tuesday's 4-2 win at the Winnipeg Jets.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday that Cole has been fined $5,000 for kneeing Jets forward Mark Scheifele in the third period of Tuesday's game.
Cole was given a major penalty and game misconduct immediately after his crime. He will receive no additional punishment outside of the fine, which is the maximum allowable per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. As in similar instances, that money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
According to The Canadian Press (h/t Toronto Star), Scheifele did not suffer an injury on the play, which likely helped Cole's case. Thus far this season, Cole has recorded one goal, two assists and 29 penalty minutes across 24 contests with the Hurricanes.
Carolina improved to 17-6-1 via Tuesday's victory and next plays at the 15-6-5 Calgary Flames on Thursday. Calgary fell to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.
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