NHL fines Bruins’ Jake DeBrusk for Game 2 cross-check originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Jake DeBrusk wasn’t penalized for his cross-check of Scott Mayfield on Monday night, but he’ll still pay the price for his actions.
The NHL’s Department of Player of Safety fined the Bruins winger $5,000 on Tuesday for cross-checking Mayfield in Boston’s Game 2 loss to the New York Islanders at TD Garden. That’s the maximum fine allowable under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
While DeBrusk wasn’t assessed a penalty for his cross-check of the Islanders defenseman in front of New York’s net, the Bruins made other costly errors in their 4-3 overtime loss, which tied the second-round Stanley Cup Playoff series at 1-1.
Why Bruins should remain optimistic heading into Game 3
The Islanders cashed in on two Boston penalties in the second period to take a two-goal lead and now have three power-play goals on six opportunities through two games. Casey Cizikas netted the game-winner in overtime Monday after Jeremy Lauzon attempted a D-to-D pass that deflected off Charlie Coyle’s skate.
If the Bruins want to retake the lead in Game 3 on Thursday night in New York, they’ll need more from players like DeBrusk, who scored in the team’s first two postseason contests but hasn’t found the net since.