NHL levies $250k fine against New York Rangers for scathing comments

Just two days after the New York Rangers made comments disparaging the job the the NHL’s department of player safety in the punishment, or lack thereof, towards Tom Wilson, the league has fined the club a quarter million dollars.

The Rangers, clearly unhappy with a $5k fine levied against Wilson for injuring Artemiy Panarin, called for NHL DOPS George Parros’ job and now, the league has condemed those comments with a $250,000 fine against the Rangers.

“Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were personal in nature and demeaning of a League executive will not be tolerated,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement. “While we don’t expect our Clubs to agree with every decision rendered by the Department of Player Safety, the extent to which the Rangers expressed their disagreement was unacceptable. It is terribly unfair to question George Parros’ professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety.”

The two teams met last night in a battle royal on the ice that featured six fights in the first four minutes that included a line brawl off the opening faceoff.

You can see all the fights here.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.