Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Mark Friedman has been fined $1,812.50, the maximum allowable under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, for spearing Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly during a pre-season game between the teams on Saturday.
The incident occurred at 9:47 of the first period. With the Blue Jackets leading 1-0 and possession in the Penguins zone, Kuraly, who was set to be assessed a minor penalty for goaltender interference, and Friedman were positioned near the front of Pittsburgh’s net. Play was whistled dead and Friedman engaged Kuraly, spearing him twice in quick succession.
Friedman was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for spearing.
