Los Angeles Kings defenseman Austin Strand has been fined $3,168.10 for cross-checking Arizona Coyotes forward Conor Garland.
The cross-check came with eight seconds remaining in the second period in Saturday’s game. Strand was given a minor penalty on the play for cross-checking.
Garland took a heavy cross-check to the face from Austin Strand. pic.twitter.com/jVPB7Z3bjM
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) February 21, 2021
Garland left the ice for evaluation, but did return for the third period. He leads the Coyotes in scoring with seven goals and eight assists.
Rule 59 covers cross-checking, which can result in a minor, major, or match penalty, depending on the force:
59.1 Cross-checking – The action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent.
59.2 Minor Penalty – A minor penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the severity of the contact, shall be imposed on a player who “cross checks” an opponent.
59.3 Major Penalty – A major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the severity of the contact, shall be imposed on a player who “cross checks” an opponent. Per 59.5, when a major penalty is assessed for cross-checking, an automatic game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on the offending player.
59.4 Match Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent by cross-checking.
Strand’s fine is the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.