The incident occurred just over halfway through the first period during Sunday's Game 3 between the Devils and Hurricanes. Tatar was not happy with a cross-check he received from Aho and just as the puck goes out of play, the Devils forward turns and swings his stick, making contact with the head of Aho.
Tatar received a two-minute minor on the play for high-sticking. While it's clear that Tatar was frustrated and was trying to get back at Aho for the cross-check, it doesn't appear that the 32-year-old was trying to make contact with the Hurricanes forward's head, rather just trying to push him, but because his stick was in the air, it made it a bit more of a dangerous play.
It's understandable that Tatar was handed a penalty on the play for the high stick, but giving him a $5,000 fine seems a bit of a stretch.
Do you agree with the NHL Department of Player Safety's decision to hand Tomas Tatar a fine? Let us know in the poll below.
POLL | ||
8 MAI | 70 ANSWERS LATEST | Tatar's dangerous play on Aho leads to fine from NHL Player Safety Did the NHL Department of Player Safety make the right call? | ||
Yes, should have been a fine | 22 | 31.4 % |
No way this should have been a fine | 20 | 28.6 % |
Unsure | 17 | 24.3 % |
See Results | 11 | 15.7 % |
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