The NHL Department of Player Safety announced Thursday morning that Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara has been fined $5,000 for crosschecking Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher. The fine is the maximum dollar amount allowed under the CBA.
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The play occurred early in the second period, just as Montreal was about to get started on the powerplay. Although Chara seemed to indicate that it was a sell job from Gallagher, the replays shortly afterward made it appear as though he crosschecked the Habs forward directly in the face. Luckily for Chara, the referees called coincidental penalties, resulting in both players going to the box. If they had gotten a better look at it, it is very likely just Chara would have been penalized which would have resulted in a full two minute 5 on 3 for the Canadiens.
Thankfully for the Canadiens, Gallagher did not suffer an injury on the play. It certainly could have ended worse, as the 27-year-old forward has gone through concussion issues this season. The Bruins will also be thankful to not lose Chara to suspension, as they are now in a tight race with the Tampa Bay Lightning for first in the Atlantic Division after looking like they had it locked up just a month ago. Chara isn't the same dominating player he was years ago but is still a key part of the Bruins defensive core, often still playing north of 20 minutes a night.
The Bruins went on to win this game by a score of 4-1. It was a big response by the Bruins after an embarrassing loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. As for the Canadiens, they have now lost back to back games and are seeing their playoff hopes decreasing each day.
