The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has once again become the center of attention as the fiery playoff series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals continues to unfold. As anticipation and emotions run high on both sides, the league’s disciplinary arm is making headlines—not for clamping down on the bruising, high-risk hits that have marked the series since its opening faceoff, but for taking aim at seemingly trivial infractions that have left fans and analysts scratching their heads.

In a season where every moment on the ice is magnified and every gesture scrutinized, the latest round of penalties has sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world. The NHL’s swift and severe response to a minor warm-up incident has sparked a heated debate about the league’s priorities and consistency in enforcing its rules.

With both players and entire organizations now facing hefty fines for actions many consider harmless, questions are swirling about whether the league is focusing on the right issues at the most critical time of year.

As the Canadiens and Capitals prepare for the next chapter in their postseason rivalry, the controversy surrounding these penalties is sure to add even more intensity to an already dramatic series.

Photo of Canadiens and Capitals Photo credit: NHL

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety is definitely busy during this series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.

Unfortunately, it’s not to crack down on the dangerous hits we’ve seen since the beginning of the series.

It’s to crack down on petty infractions.

In the past few minutes, we’ve learned that two players, including Arber Xhekaj, have indeed been sanctioned by George Parros and his team.

All this for a minor incident that happened during warm-ups. In fact, I’m not even sure we can call it “an incident.”

In short, the National Hockey League didn’t even stop there.

Not only does the NHL fine Arber Xhekaj and Dylan McIlrath, but it also heavily sanctions both organizations

You read that right.

Just minutes after announcing the fines for the two players, the NHL added even more, handing out hefty fines to both the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.

It’s rare to see this!

Two organizations sanctioned for a minor warm-up incident.

“The Canadiens and Capitals were also fined $25,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

I know the NHL doesn’t like it… but it’s fun to watch.”

Elliotte Friedman

Another questionable decision by Gary Bettman and the NHL

All these sanctions, for a few light taps on the shin pads during warm-ups?

But they don’t crack down on cross-checks to the face and hits to the head?

It’s embarrassing.

Fun fact: McIlrath was sanctioned for a game he didn’t even play!

He didn’t even participate in the game.. he only took part in the warm-up.

In short, the NHL has no hesitation in heavily sanctioning the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals, but the real issue is that they’re cracking down on all the wrong things.

See the details:

This is shaping up to be interesting moving forward!