The Islanders will have Mathew Barzal when they fight for their playoff lives on Wednesday night, but the 24-year-old will have a lighter wallet.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Tuesday that Barzal was fined $5,000, the maximum allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for his cross check on Jan Rutta during New York’s blowout loss in game five.
Just after the final horn sounded to end the second period on Monday night, Barzal hit Rutta up high and was given a game misconduct, and his availability for a pivotal game six at home was put in doubt as the Islanders awaited the league’s ruling, which could have come with a suspension. But head coach Barry Trotz said he didn’t anticipate Barzal being suspended, but that he was “disappointed” with Barzal’s decision making.
Tampa Bay’s Ryan McDonagh cross-checked Florida’s Mason Marchment in the first round and received the same penalty as Barzal.
Barzal would have been a crippling loss for the Islanders, as the center has six goals and six assists so far this postseason.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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