Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel has been fined $3,750 for boarding Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen on Sunday, the NHL's department of player safety announced Monday.
The incident occurred with 4:31 left in the first period of Game 3 when Hagel cross-checked Luostarinen from behind as both players were chasing a puck toward the end boards. Luostarinen was a couple metres away from the boards at the time of the hit, and fell dangerously, head-first into them.
The officials initially charged Hagel with a major penalty for his actions, but reduced the penalty to a minor for cross-checking after video review. Luostarinen was able to continue playing.
The Lightning currently lead the best-of-seven series 3-0, with a chance to sweep Monday night. Watch it on Sportsnet at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m PT.
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