Sabres defenceman Marco Scandella fined $5,000 for slash

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Sabres defenceman Marco Scandella was fined $5,000 by the NHL on Wednesday for a two-handed slash on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist.

The slash occurred during the second period of Pittsburgh's 5-4 overtime win Tuesday night. The two were battling for position in front of the Sabres' net, when Scandella nearly lost his balance after being shoved by Hornqvist. Scandella turned and, with two hands on his stick, chopped down on Hornqvist's right ankle.

Scandella served a minor penalty for slashing, while Hornqvist was penalized for interference.

Scandella's fine is the highest allowed under NHL rules.

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The Associated Press