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The NHL is under fire after a controversial fines in the Canadiens-Capitals series
Photo credit: RMNB
The NHL Department of Player Safety stirred controversy once again during the Canadiens-Capitals first-round series by giving out surprising fines after Game 4 warmups.
On Monday, the NHL fined Arber Xhekaj and Dylan McIlrath individually for "unsportsmanlike conduct," while also fining the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals organizations.
However, according to Renaud Lavoie, the only player who should have been sanctioned was Alex Ovechkin and while speaking on Jean-Charles Lajoie's show, Renaud Lavoie explained that video footage clearly shows Ovechkin crossing into Montreal half during warmups and initiating contact with Arber Xhekaj at center ice which is a violation of NHL warmup conduct rules.
Meanwhile, Arber Xhekaj and Dylan McIlrath were penalized despite little evidence of wrongdoing.
"I don't understand why Xhekaj is getting a fine.
I don't understand why McIlrath is getting a fine.
I don't understand why the Canadiens and the Capitals are getting fined over trivialities!"
Renaud Lavoie
I don't understand why McIlrath is getting a fine.
I don't understand why the Canadiens and the Capitals are getting fined over trivialities!"
Renaud Lavoie
Adding to the frustration, Pierre-Luc Dubois was also seen entering the Montreal Canadiens side of the ice and yet no action was taken against him.
"He has no business being in the Canadiens' territory, and yet he's not fined."
"I asked the NHL the question, and of course, they don't give me an answer.
It's a bit embarrassing [for the NHL]."
Renaud Lavoie
"I asked the NHL the question, and of course, they don't give me an answer.
It's a bit embarrassing [for the NHL]."
Renaud Lavoie
The broader issue is inconsistency and dangerous play during the game which is including hits to the head and blatant cross-checks that seem to receive less attention, while minor warmup interactions are harshly punished.
As the series continues, calls for clearer standards from the Department of Player Safety are growing louder.
Previously on Washington Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 29 | 57 ANSWERS The NHL is under fire after a controversial fines in the Canadiens-Capitals series Do you think Alex Ovechkin and Pierre-Luc Dubois should have been fined for their actions? | ||
| Yes | 13 | 22.8 % |
| No | 44 | 77.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
