NHL Fines Capitals' Andrew Cristall Maximum $2,250.86

The NHL's Department of Player Safety fined Washington Capitals forward Andrew Cristall $2,250.86 on Tuesday, the most allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, for cross-checking Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Hunter McDonald.

It happened in the middle of the second period of Monday's preseason game at Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which Washington won 5-2. McDonald delivered a hard hit on Capitals forward Ryan Leonard along the boards, and Cristall retaliated with a high cross-check on McDonald.

Cristall received a five-minute major for cross-checking and a game misconduct. McDonald remained in the game.

Washington drafted Cristall, 21, in the second round, 40th overall, in 2023. He has yet to play an NHL regular-season game. He recorded 20 goals and 40 assists in 70 games for the AHL's Hershey Bears last season.