The NHL took disciplinary action following the heated altercation during Friday night's playoff game between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals. Tom Wilson of the Capitals and Josh Anderson of the Canadiens were each fined the maximum allowable amount of $5,000 after a bench-clearing incident unfolded as the second period came to a close. The fracas began when Wilson and Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj engaged in a physical tussle, prompting Anderson to step in. The situation escalated, leading Wilson to challenge Anderson aggressively, forcing both players into the penalty box.

Throughout the fight, the Bell Centre erupted with passion, highlighting the intensity of playoff hockey. Each player received a minor penalty for roughing, along with a 10-minute misconduct penalty, further emphasizing the severity of their actions. The fines imposed will benefit the players' emergency assistance fund, underlining the NHL's commitment to player welfare, even in the face of heightened competitive tensions.