New York Islanders star Mathew Barzal has been fined $5,000 for cross-checking Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jan Rutta in the face during Game 5 on Monday, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.
The fine is the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement.
Barzal was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct on the play, which occurred at the end of the second period.
Mat Barzal received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for this crosscheck on Jan Rutta. pic.twitter.com/GZnvW9I5EH
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 22, 2021
Rutta was down on the ice for several minutes before heading to the locker room. His status for Wednesday's Game 6 is unclear.
After the 8-0 blowout loss, Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said he was disappointed in Barzal's decision-making.
Barzal led the Islanders with 45 points this season, and he's recorded 12 points over 17 playoff games so far.
The Lightning lead the series 3-2.
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