Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov was fined $5,000 for cross-checking Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, the NHL’s department of player safety announced Monday.
The fine is the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement.
The incident occurred at the end of the Canucks’ 4-3 victory during Game 3 of their second-round series Sunday night in Edmonton.
As the game was winding down near the Canucks net, defenceman Carson Soucy shoved McDavid, who responded by slashing him in the legs. Soucy slashed McDavid right back and went to cross-check him when Zadorov hit the Oilers captain from behind. As McDavid fell, Soucy caught him in the head.
Soucy received a two-minute penalty for cross-checking.
Zadorov has four goals and three assists in nine playoff games with the Canucks.
The 29-year-old also had five goals and nine assists in 54 games during the regular season after he was acquired from the Calgary Flames on Nov. 30.
Meanwhile, Soucy will face a hearing after cross-checking the Oilers star.
The Canucks hold a 2-1 lead in the series with Game 4 set for Tuesday.