Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk has been fined $5,000 - the maximum allowable under the CBA - for cross-checking Boston Bruins' Garnet Hathaway during Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Many believe that Tkachuk got off lightly and should have been suspended for the dirty hit on Hathaway.
The incident occurred during the game and initially only resulted in a 2-minute penalty. However, it was later reviewed, and the fine was issued.
When asked about the hit, Tkachuk didn't see it as wrong, saying, "It's kinda one of those pretty chippy games. If you get cross-checked go down, try to draw a penalty. It seems that's the way this game is kinda going."
After being hit right on, Hathaway was slow to get up, and it's unclear whether he will play in Game 5. Tkachuk's stick appeared to strike Hathaway in an unprotected area, causing him to collapse to the ice.
