Blue Jackets’ Olivier fined $5,000 for slashing Panthers’ Balinskis

The NHL fined Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier $5,000 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, for slashing Florida Panthers defenceman Uvis Balinskis during Tuesday's game in Columbus.

The Department of Player Safety said the fine was the maximum permitted under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The money will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Olivier was ejected following a five-minute slashing major and a game misconduct in the second period. Player Safety placed the incident at 13:37; the NHL's official play-by-play records the penalties at 13:44.

Sportsnet and Scouting the Refs reported that Olivier struck Balinskis from behind after a puck battle along the boards. Officials reviewed the play before confirming the major penalty. Balinskis briefly left the ice and later returned to the game.