Former Canucks Defenseman Nikita Zadorov Handed Fine by NHL Department of Player Safety

Last night's game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins at TD Garden got quite heated in the first period following an incident involving former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zaodorv.

With less than 30 seconds remaining in the opening period, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was waiting at the blue line by Boston's bench when he's poked at by Nikita Zadorov.

Malkin wasn't too thrilled with the jab and swung his stick towards the Bruins' bench, making contact with defenseman Mason Lohrei.

A scrum broke out after the incident before cooler heads prevailed, with Zadorov being given a two-minute minor for unsportsmanlike conduct and Malkin a slashing minor.

The National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced on Saturday morning that they've decided to fine former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov $5,000 USD, the maximum amount under the CBA, for unsportsmanlike conduct during Friday's game.

Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was also handed a $5,000 fine for his role in the incident, slashing Mason Lohrei.

It ended up being quite the goaltending duel between Pittsburgh and Boston, with Tristan Jarry making 31 saves on 32 shots in a 2-1 victory, while Jeremy Swayman stopped 34 of 36.

The two teams won't meet again until March 1st, and it's going to be interesting to see if there's any carry over from this incident on Friday night.