Panthers' Brad Marchand fined $5K for unsportsmanlike conduct

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand was fined $5,000 by the NHL for unsportsmanlike conduct during Saturday's game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Sunday's fine is the maximum allowable amount under the league's collective bargaining agreement.

Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin checked Marchand from behind midway into the second period. That led Marchand to pounce on Dahlin and unleash several punches.

It didn't end there, however. Marchand skated away with Dahlin's helmet and ripped off the straps after reaching the penalty box before throwing the headgear back onto the ice.

Marchand, 37, was assessed a minor penalty for interference and a minor for roughing on the play. The Sabres got the last laugh with a 3-0 win.

Marchand also saw his five-game point streak come to an end. He had three goals and three assists in the stretch.