The Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins were once both the toast of the Eastern Conference, but both franchises have fallen on difficult times of late – especially the Penguins. But that didn’t stop things from getting feisty during Friday night’s 2-1 victory by the Penguins over the Bruins at TD Garden.

With 22 seconds remaining in the period, Boston defenseman Zadorov jabbed Malkin with his stick from the Boston bench. Malkin retaliated with a turning one-handed stick swing, perhaps hitting Zadorov on the helmet.

A controversial incident on Friday night has resulted in disciplinary action against both Evgeni Malkin and Nikita Zadorov.

NHL Player Safety has announced that Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov has been fined $5,000, which is the maximum alllowable under the CBA, for unsportsmanlike conduct. Boston’s Nikita Zadorov has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for unsportsmanlike conduct against Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was fined by the NHL for slashing another player during a game against the Boston Bruins Friday night.

Friday's matchup between the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins had plenty of dramatics despite being a modest three-goal event. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety involved itself Saturday.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was fined $5,000 by the NHL for slashing Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei during a game on Friday. The league announced the fine - as well as an identical fine to Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov - on Saturday.