Wild's Marco Scandella fined for hit to head of Blues' T.J. Oshie
Minnesota Wild defenseman Marco Scandella has been fined $2,755.38 for an illegal check to the head of St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie in the teams' game Saturday, the NHL announced Monday.
The hit occurred at the 8:45 mark of the first period. Oshie missed the remainder of the period but returned in the second and went on to total 15:22 of ice time in the Blues' shootout win. He was also able to practice with St. Louis on Monday.
Scandella's fine is the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Michael Russo:
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St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Jeremy Rutherford emailed me Oshie quotes from today, and Oshie reminded that the Wild's Mike Rupp was suspended four games (including three playoff games) for his blow to Oshie's head last April.
"It seems like that's the second time that's happened in a matter of what three shifts that I've been in Minnesota?" Oshie said. "So I don't know, it seems a little targeted but ... either way, got away with the two points, so we'll take that."
Blues coach Ken Hitchcock told Rutherford, "I would be best not to comment on that hit right now, so I'll just leave it at that."
Scandella agreed to a five-year extension with the Wild before Saturday's game. The 24-year-old has recorded a plus/minus of seven this season and is averaging 21:43 of ice time.
Oshie has recorded six points and has a plus/minus of three.
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The Wild have 27 points in 23 games and are in fifth place in the Central Division, while the Blues have 34 points and are tied for first in the division.
- Ben Estes