Minnesota WildCaptain Jared SpurgeonThe ankle was cross-checked and the fine was not imposed. St. Louis BluesWinger Pavel BuchnevichIn Game 1 of their series, Monday night.
NHL Department of Player Safety assessed Spurgeon with a $5,000 fine. This is the maximum amount allowed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
With only 1:46 left to the third period and the Blues leading by four goals, Spurgeon fought Buchnevich inside the Wild's defensive circle. Buchnevich was on his knees and Spurgeon, Minnesota's defenseman, brought his weight down on the stick and gave a cross-check on Buchnevich’s right ankle.
Spurgeon received a two-minute minor offense.
Spurgeon was not suspended despite his apparent intent to make the play. Buchnevich was not hurt during the play. On the power play that followed, the Blues winger was able to return to play. St. Louis won Game 1 to win the series 1-0.
If a stick infraction doesn't cause injury, the Department of Player Safety will usually issue a suspension rather than a fine. For example, in Oct. 2017, Blues defenseman Robert BortuzzoStrike New York IslandersNelson was on the ice, so he pushed forward with cross-checks a few times. Bortuzzo was fined.
He was suspended in 2019 for multiple cross-checks to Nashville forward Viktor Arvidsson. The suspension decision cited the previous fine.
Spurgeon was never suspended from the NHL before and is considered one the NHL's best players. In 65 games, Spurgeon had just 10 penalties minutes. He finished second in the Lady Byng Trophy, an award given each year to an NHL player who has displayed “the best type of sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and a high level of playing ability.”
Game 2 is set for Wednesday night.
Other news about the playoffs: Tampa Bay LightningForward Pat Maroon Corey PerryThey were each fined $2,250 & $2,500 respectively Toronto Maple LeafsForward Wayne SimmondsUnsportsmanlike conduct during Game 1, in Toronto, Monday night was affixed to him and he was fined $2250
