Panthers' Mikkola Fined $5K For Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola has been fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct following an incident at the end of a game against the Montreal Canadiens. With just two seconds remaining in the Panthers' 4-2 loss, Mikkola fired a slapshot from his own defensive zone, nearly hitting Canadiens defenseman David Savard, which led to a confrontation between players from both teams. Mikkola received a two-minute minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for the action, which has been criticized as unnecessary and fueled by frustration. The fine, which is the maximum allowed without a hearing, will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The Panthers and Canadiens are set to meet again on Tuesday, with expectations of heightened tension following the incident.