Joe Thornton fined for slash on Boris Katchouk

Florida Panthers center Joe Thornton Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers' Joe Thornton fined for slash on Lightning's Boris Katchouk

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/20/21

It isn't often that Joe Thornton loses his cool, but when he does, he goes full-tilt — and pays the price for it.

Such was the case on Tuesday night when the veteran forward, now playing with the Florida Panthers, took a nasty stick swipe at Tampa Bay Lightning forward Boris Katchouk and was fined by the league the following day.

Joe Thornton with a spear on Katchouk #FLAvsTBL pic.twitter.com/PTCRPGI5nU
— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) October 19, 2021

The 42-year-old center was issued a two-minute minor after the move was deemed a slash. The NHL then fined him $1,875 on Wednesday, the maximum under the collective bargaining agreement.

Florida’s Joe Thornton has been fined $1,875.00, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for Slashing Tampa Bay’s Boris Katchouk.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 20, 2021

Faithful San Jose Sharks fans will likely argue the slash on Katchouk is tame given some of Jumbo Joe's moments during his long tenure with Team Teal. For example, that time just a few seasons ago when he snapped at Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek and then punched Mrazek square in the face.

Thankfully for the Panthers, the penalty Thornton took on Tuesday evening didn't hurt their chances of defeating the Lightning. They defeated the defending Stanley Cup champions 4-1 and improved to 3-0-0 on the early season.