The NHL announced Thursday, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was fined $5,000 for spearing Boston Bruins rookie Trent Frederic in the groin Wednesday night. Ovechkin avoids suspension, but gets the maximum allowed fine under the current collective bargaining agreement.
The feisty Frederic appeared intent on pestering the No. 7 all-time goal scorer throughout the nationally televised game. Frederic checked Ovechkin into the board. The rookie appeared eager to drop the gloves, but the 35-year old Ovechkin brushed him off.
Later in the game, Frederic was at it again checking Ovechkin repeatedly to the point, Ovechkin opted to spear him in the groin with his stick. Both players received two-minute penalties.
Frederic has a history of annoying the Capitals. He dropped gloves with enforcer Tom Wilson earlier this season. Now it appears he wants to bark up Ovechkin’s tree, trying to make his mark in the league.
The Capitals and Bruins face off again Friday in Boston. With a 2-1 win Wednesday, Washington holds a three-point lead over Boston for first place in the East division.
