NHL fines Capitals forward Wilson and Canadiens forward Anderson for brawl on bench
A referee (55) tries to separate Montreal Canadiens' Josh Anderson (17) and Washington Capitals' Tom Wilson, front left, as they fight following the second period of Game 3 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in Montreal, Friday, April 25, 2025. Credit: AP/Christinne Muschi
MONTREAL — The NHL has punished the main combatants in a bench-clearing altercation in Friday night’s playoff game between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals.
Capitals forward Tom Wilson and Canadiens forward Josh Anderson were each fined $5,000 by the league.
It’s the maximum allowable under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement.
Wilson and Montreal defenseman Arber Xhekaj were pushing and shoving each other as time expired in the second period.
Anderson intervened before falling backward into Washington’s bench, which had a door open.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Wilson followed the 6-foot-3, 226-pound Anderson in and charged through a linesman toward the Canadiens winger before a roaring crowd at Bell Centre.
Both Anderson and Wilson were assessed a minor penalty for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct for the fight.
Montreal Canadiens' Josh Anderson (17) falls into the Washington Capitals' bench as he fights with Capitals' Tom Wilson (43) following the second period of Game 3 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in Montreal, Friday, April 25, 2025. Credit: AP/Christinne Muschi
Their fine money goes to the players’ emergency assistance fund.
