Capitals, Canadiens fined $25K each for warmup antics

The NHL has fined both the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals $25,000 each for unsportsmanlike conduct during warmups prior to Game 4 of their heated first-round playoff series, as well as issuing maximum individual fines to Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj ($3,385.42) and Washington’s Dylan McIlrath ($2,018.23) for their roles in the incident. This marks the second round of fines in the contentious series, following $5,000 penalties to Capitals’ Tom Wilson and Canadiens’ Josh Anderson for a brawl at the end of Game 3. The series has been marked by escalating physicality and multiple altercations, resulting in a combined 37 penalties over four games. NHL officials had previously warned both teams about unsportsmanlike conduct, and the league appears to be cracking down on such displays across the playoffs. The Capitals currently lead the best-of-seven series 3-1, with tensions and emotions running high on both sides. Despite the fines and physical play, no players have been suspended, and all remain eligible for upcoming games.