Canadiens' Matheson fined $5K for interference on Panthers' Staal

January 20, 2023 - 11:41am

Watch as Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson lowers the shoulder to level a huge hit on Florida Panthers centre Eric Staal that goes uncalled; Staal would later leave the game with an upper body injury.

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson has been fined $5,000 for interference on Florida Panthers' Eric Staal following Thursday's testy game.

The play occurred in the final minutes of the first period, when Matheson and Staal were both chasing the puck. Matheson abruptly stopped, landing a reverse hit on Staal, who eventually had to leave the game.

No penalty was called on the ice. The Panthers would go on to take the game 6-2.

Matheson, a former Panther himself until 2020, was acquired by Montreal from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2022 off-season in exchange for Jeff Petry and Ryan Poehling.

The 28-year-old has one goal and seven points in 13 games for the Canadiens this season.

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