Nov 29, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov (91) checks Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Penguins' Evgeni Malkin, Bruins' Nikita Zadorov Fined by NHL

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Nick Horwat | Last updated Nov 30, 2024 10:42 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins walked away as winners over the Boston Bruins, but not before things got chippy between the two teams. Late in the opening period, Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin and Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov were given penalties for unnecessary stick infractions.

The NHL Department of Player Safety fined the Penguins and Bruins skaters $5,000, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement. Malkin was fined for slashing, while Zadorov was hit for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Zadorov poked Malkin from the bench and Malkin swung back pic.twitter.com/9hnxNjt6Bt
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 30, 2024

While Malkin was standing by the Bruins' bench during gameplay, Zadorov poked at Malkin from the bench. Malkin retaliated by wildly swinging his stick at Bruins players, striking Mason Lorhei.

Malkin was initially given a slashing penalty, which was upheld, but an official review deemed Zadorov was also guilty of unsportsmanlike conduc, by interfering with an opposing player while on the bench.

The Bruins were leading 1-0 at the time of the infractions, but the Penguins rallied back to win 2-1. Malkin assisted on the game-winning goal by Philip Tomasino. The tally was Tomasino’s first goal with the Penguins after a recent trade and his first of the season.

Zadorov was on the ice for Rickard Rakell’s game-tying goal in the final second of the second period.

The win helped give the Penguins their second straight win as they look to rebound after an awful start to the season. The Bruins dropped to 11-11-3 and are currently out of a playoff spot.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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