Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman has been fined $10,000 by the NHL for two separate incidents during Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, the league announced Thursday.
The first incident involved Walman spearing Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk during a stoppage in play in the second period. Later in the game, he delivered a dangerous cross-check to Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe. Both actions were reviewed by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, which determined that fines — rather than suspensions — were appropriate disciplinary measures.
Walman’s fine is the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement. While he avoided suspension, his actions have drawn criticism as tensions rise in the heated championship series.
Florida currently leads the series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday night in Edmonton. The Oilers will be looking to even the series on home ice as emotions continue to run high.
