NHL imposes strong fine on Alex Ovechkin's key Capitals teammate after playoff game vs Canadiens

Alex Ovechkin continues to shine in his record-setting NHL Stanley Cup season. However, not everything is good news for the Washington Capitals. The team of the league’s all-time leading goal scorer is facing a fine issued to a key defensive player due to an incident that occurred during the game against the Montreal Canadiens.

The first-round NHL playoff series between the Canadiens and the Caps stands at 3-1 in favor of Washington. Ovechkin’s team won Game 4 by a score of 5-2 at the Bell Centre, thanks to a third-period comeback led by Tom Wilson and Brandon Duhaime.

The lead in the series is crucial for the Caps, who are determined to avoid setbacks or missteps on their path to becoming season champions. In this context, staying focused and composed is key, even though the NHL has decided to fine an important player on the roster.

Who was fined in the Caps?

Ovechkin’s teammate who was fined by the league is none other than defenseman Dylan McIlrath. “Washington’s Dylan McIlrath has been fined $2,018.23, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for unsportsmanlike conduct during last night’s pre-game warm-up against Montreal,” the NHL announced via X (formerly Twitter).

Dylan McIlrath of the Capitals

Additionally, Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj was also fined an even higher amount ($3,385.42) for his role in the incident. Both teams were also fined $25,000 each for their involvement in the altercation.

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Alex Ovechkin reacts with blunt message after Capitals’ Game 3 loss to Canadiens

What was the unsportsmanlike conduct that earned them the fine?

The incident is unusual because the NHL did not provide specific details about the nature of the unsportsmanlike conduct. What is known is that McIlrath and Xhekaj had a verbal exchange during warm-ups, with both players skating near the center red line and responding to each other.