Boston Bruins forward David Krejci has been fined $5,000 for slashing New York Islanders star Mathew Barzal, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Sunday.
Boston’s David Krejci has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for Slashing NY Islanders’ Mathew Barzal.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) June 6, 2021
The incident occurred during New York's Game 4 win on Saturday. In the second period, Barzal delivered several uncalled cross-checks to Krejci's back. The Bruins center eventually responded by turning around and hitting Barzal between the legs with his stick.
Krejci was initially given a five-minute major for spearing, but it was reduced to a two-minute minor for slashing upon further review.
David Krejci gets two minutes for slashing Mat Barzal here: pic.twitter.com/NvNAEZYFDZ
— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) June 6, 2021
After the game, Barzal called the slash by Krejci "a little vicious," adding he was surprised the referees reduced the penalty.
Barzal calls slash from David Krejci "a little vicious" pic.twitter.com/uaTMlMcQ7Y
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) June 6, 2021
Krejci scored Boston's lone goal in a 4-1 loss to the Islanders on Saturday night, while Barzal had a goal and an assist.
The Bruins and Islanders will meet again on Monday night at TD Garden with the series tied 2-2.
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