Lightning Defenseman Fined For Slash On Michael Bunting

A nasty slash to the hands and wrists of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting has cost Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev $5,000. The NHL handed down the fine today after the incident in Tuesday night's game. 

Tampa Bay’s Mikhail Sergachev has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for Slashing Toronto’s Michael Bunting.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 21, 2022

Apparently this two-hander from Sergachev preceded the end of period scrum with Bunting. No call but i didnt need to tell you that. pic.twitter.com/SUaaJcPaGz

— ًًً (@twistedleafs) December 21, 2022

The two-handed slash preceded an altercation and a bizarre scene that broke out at the end of the first period, where a linesman physically manhandled Bunting to get him off the ice. 

The $5K fine is the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement. 

Earlier in the period, Bunting had given the Leafs a 1-0 lead, registering his 100th NHL point. 

MICHAEL BUNTING 🚨

100TH CAREER POINT! WHAT A SHOT! pic.twitter.com/EHNZukscMF

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) December 21, 2022

These two have a history, including an incident in last season's playoffs when Sergachev nailed Bunting with a sucker-punch in the back of the head.  

Tuesday was obviously a frustrating night for Sergachev and the Lightning, as their division rivals handed them a 4-1 defeat. It was the defenseman's return to the lineup after sitting out a couple of games with an upper-body injury.

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports