Sabres' Michal Neuvirth first goaltender fined for embellishment

The Buffalo Sabres' Michal Neuvirth became on Wednesday the first goaltender to be fined $2,000 for diving/embellishment. The fine stems from a penalty that occurred during Sunday's game against the Nashville Predators.

The NHL announced Neuvirth's fine as a second offense. The first, which occurred during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov. 15, just merited a warning.

Neuvirth's fine came after the league's Hockey Operations Department reviewed a minor interference penalty called against the Predators' Mike Santorelli early in the second period of Nashville's 2-1 shootout win.

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Diving/embellishment falls under NHL Rule 64, which was revised for the 2014-15 season after off-season approval by the league's board of governors and players' association. Fines begin at $2,000 and rise by $1,000 after each offense, capped at $5,000.

The Sabres have an NHL-low 41 points with a record of 18-38-5. They will host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

- Mike Fiammetta