New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal fined $5,000 by NHL after two-handed slash on winger Mason Marchment

Barzal was fined $5,000 by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for a slashing incident, which they deemed a dangerous two-handed swing that justified the maximum penalty under the CBA. This fine is the highest that can be given without resulting in a suspension or a hearing, and the money collected is sent to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

On Monday, the department revealed their decision, just a day after the game, after reviewing the play. Even though the slash was labeled as brutal and meant to injure in some reports, Barzal managed to escape any game suspension. Marchment, who initially hit Schaefer and triggered the response, faced no fines or suspensions from the league.

What led Mathew Barzal to being fined

The whole thing started when Mason Marchment, the left winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets, got a tripping penalty for taking down New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer in what looked like a knee-on-knee collision during the second period.

Barzal's two-handed slash to Marchment's leg happened right after, looking like a direct response to the hit on Schaefer. Marchment got a two-minute minor penalty for tripping, but didn't face any additional punishment from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. On the other hand, Barzal was kicked out of the game because of the major penalty and misconduct. The match was held at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, where the Blue Jackets pulled off a 4-2 victory against the Islanders.

Patrick Roy addresses second-period incident following loss to Columbus Blue Jackets

Islanders head coach Patrick Roy addressed the incident in his postgame media availability following the loss to Columbus. Roy stated, "Well, we thought it was a knee," referring to Marchment's hit on Schaefer.

He added, "And then, we're never going to blame a teammate for going to try and defend a teammate." This comment was made directly to reporters in the postgame press conference at Nationwide Arena.


The NHL's Player Safety Department put out a statement saying that Mathew Barzal from the New York Islanders has been fined $5,000, which is the highest amount allowed by the CBA, for slashing Mason Marchment of Columbus. This news was released through the league's official channels on Monday.

Islanders beat reporter Stefen Rosner reported on X that "#Isles Mathew Barzal will not be suspended for his slash of #CBJ Mason Marchment that earned him a major and an ejection. @NHLPlayerSafety has fined him $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA."

Another Islanders reporter, Ethan Sears, stated on X, "Mat Barzal avoids a suspension for his slash on Mason Marchment. Fined $5,000, maximum allowable under the CBA." This update was shared on Monday via his verified account.

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