The National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced on Monday morning that they've decided to fine New Jersey Devils forward Tomas Tatar $5,000 for high-sticking Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho.
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.
