Minnesota Wild’s Ryan Hartman receives maximum fine for slash on Rasmus Andersson
Ryan Hartman has been fined the maximum amount allowable under the CBA for his actions during Tuesday night’s game against the Calgary Flames, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced.
The Minnesota Wild winger took a hack at Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson during the first period of a shootout loss before throwing a gloved punch at veteran forward Trevor Lewis.
Ryan Hartman was given a double minor for slashing Rasmus Andersson and punching Trevor Lewis. pic.twitter.com/Pgo8xiTlvl
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 8, 2023Hartman was assessed a double-minor on the play. His actions will cost him $4,594.59.
The contest was a rare double-shutout; neither the Wild’s Filip Gustavsson nor Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom conceded a goal through three periods and overtime. Wild captain Jared Spurgeon saw a would-be overtime winner called off for being offside.
The Flames’ scrappy victory will reignite their playoff hopes; after an abysmal February, Calgary has now won two straight and sits just 4 points off of the Winnipeg Jets’ final wild-card spot in the West.
Meanwhile, the shootout loss runs Minnesota’s impressive points streak to 10 games (8-0-2). The Wild’s hot streak places them just 2 points away from the Central Division’s hotly-contested top seed.
The Dallas Stars currently occupy first place, while the Colorado Avalanche are 5 points back with two games in hand.
Hartman is an intense player unafraid to drop the gloves or occupy net front positions. The Wild will be relieved that his dangerous play on Tuesday did not result in a suspension.
Hartman has 9 goals and 23 points in 42 games this season. Last season, the 28-year-old overshot his career averages by exploding for 34 goals and 65 points. He is under contract for $1.7 million AAV until 2024.
The Wild will try to return to the win column away against the Winnipeg Jets at 7:30 pm ET. The matchup of playoff hopefuls could have postseason home-ice implications.