Mathieu Olivier fined $5,000 for slashing Uvis Balinskis

The NHL Department of Player Safety has fined Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier $5,000 following an incident during a game against the Florida Panthers. The fine, which is the maximum allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, follows Olivier receiving a five-minute major and a game misconduct for slashing Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis.

The incident occurred during the second period after a battle along the boards. As Balinskis attempted to skate away, Olivier struck him with his stick between the legs. The ensuing power play allowed the Panthers to score, contributing to a 7-3 victory for Florida.

Balinskis was not injured and continued playing. Following the game, Olivier apologized to his teammates, stating, “I don’t even have an explanation for it. It looked bad. It was bad, and that’s on me.”