Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk has been fined $5,000 by the NHL, the maximum amount allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for his cross-checking incident against Boston Bruins’ Garnet Hathaway during their recent playoff game. The incident, which will be showcased in an attached video, occurred when Tkachuk entered a scrum late and cross-checked Hathaway in the lower back, causing him to fall to the ground and inciting further chaos.
Despite the incident, the Boston Bruins were able to secure a victory in the game, taking a 3-1 lead in the series as they head back to Boston.
As a talented and physical player, Tkachuk is no stranger to the rough-and-tumble nature of playoff hockey. However, this incident highlights the importance of knowing the difference of when you should be physical and when you shouldn’t be. The Panthers are in no position to be taking dumb penalties.
The Panthers, now trailing in the series, will need to regroup and strategize to overcome the Bruins’ lead and remain competitive in their quest for the Stanley Cup.
