The National Hockey League has announced disciplinary actions following a chaotic conclusion to the second period in Friday`s Game 3 match-up between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.
Both Canadiens forward Josh Anderson and Capitals forward Tom Wilson received fines of $5,000 from the NHL`s Department of Player Safety on Saturday. These penalties were levied for unsportsmanlike conduct stemming from their involvement in the events of Game 3.
An intense, old-fashioned hockey fight broke out just as the horn sounded to end the second period. This full-team skirmish began near the Capitals` bench and even spilled into it.
Anderson and Wilson specifically targeted each other during the melee, and their confrontation extended into the Washington bench area after the access door swung open.
The two players were seen grappling right in front of the Capitals` coaching staff, with linesman Kyle Flemington caught in the middle attempting to restore order.
Following the widespread pushing and shoving, both Wilson and Anderson were assessed two-minute penalties for roughing, alongside 10-minute misconduct penalties.
Capitals forward Lars Eller and Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj were also given two-minute roughing minors as a result of the incident.
Tensions between the Canadiens team and Tom Wilson had been apparent from the pre-game warm-ups and ultimately escalated significantly. Wilson was even observed making a `crybaby` gesture towards the Canadiens bench after the situation had calmed down.
Montreal secured a 6-3 victory in the game.
Game 4 of the series between the Canadiens and Capitals is scheduled for Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
