The NHL has fined Penguins' forward Jordan Staal the maximum $2500 for boarding Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn during yesterday's game. The hit certainly wasn't malicious as Staal has a pretty clean record and was clearly immediately concerned, if not apologetic for it as soon as the hit happened.
Still, it was a scary hit as Coburn did go into the boards head first and was slow to get up. However, Coburn would be ok and go on to play the rest of the of the game.
The NHL's statement on the matter and a video of the hit are after the jump.
"Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal has been fined $2,500, the maximum allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for boarding Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn during NHL Game No. 865 Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 9:56 of the second period. Staal received a minor penalty for boarding on the play.
The fine money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund."