Olivier Fined $5,000 for Slashing Balinskis

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier was fined $5,000, the maximum allowed under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, for slashing Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis between the legs during Tuesday’s 7-3 loss. Olivier received a five-minute major and game misconduct after the second-period incident; Balinskis briefly left the game but returned. Olivier accepted responsibility afterward, saying he had no explanation and apologizing to his teammates, while coach Rick Bowness called the team’s performance embarrassing and its mistakes self-inflicted. The fine will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.