A Cross-Check and a Cup Check Draw 5,000 Dollar Fines

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara has been fined $5,000 by the National Hockey League's Department of Players Safety for Cross-checking Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher. Yes, cross-checking is a dangerous play, but if you watch the video, you will see that Gallagher totally sold the hit and embellished. Gallagher was cross-checked, but he's not innocent in this event.

Zdeno Chara fined $5,000 for this cross-check on Brendan Gallagher. Fair punishment? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/YmG6i4uAFZ

— Gino Hard (@Ginohard_) February 13, 2020

Exhibit A

There was absolutely no contact between Charas stick and baby Gallys throat if there were he’d be in the hospital. Look at the pic and prove me wrong pic.twitter.com/lNxrJr9RaW

— bruce s (@bruceskelhorne) February 13, 2020

Here's the video of the incident in question, again, if Chara had actually caught him in the throat and not the shoulder area, Gallagher would've been carried off of the ice on a stretcher. Keep in mind that Chara is one of the strongest players in the NHL.

I've seen suggestions that since Nazem Kadri was suspended for cross-checking Jake DeBrusk, Chara should also be suspended by the NHL. First, Kadri is a repeat offender, Chara isn't. Also, this nowhere near the same type of hit.  

Exhibit B

You've probably seen it by now. Minnesota Defenseman Matt Dumba took exception with a hit that Vegas forward Ryan Reaves put on him. From my seat, it looks like Reaves got away with a boarding call. Whatever. Either way, Dumba is 5,000 dollars lighter in the wallet today.  In my opinion, it was 5,000 dollars well spent. Now, if I was Dumba, I'd keep my head on a swivel next time the Wild play the Golden Knights.