Predators’ Steven Stamkos fined for unsportsmanlike conduct against Golden Knights

A rather rare act from one of the game’s top veterans has led to punishment.

On Sunday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos has been fined $2,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct toward an opponent while on the bench.

The incident occurred during Saturday night’s game between the Predators and the Vegas Golden Knights. Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon was finishing a check on Predators forward Jonathan Marchessault into the Nashville bench. While Marchessault was not appreciative of the hit in his own right, Stamkos was seen with his stick catching Lauzon in the face.

There was no penalty on the play. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

This isn’t the first time Stamkos has faced supplemental discipline in his career, though it has been a while since he’s had to deal wth the DoPS. The Markham, Ont. native was fined twice during the 2017-18 season while captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning. In November of that campaign, he was fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct against the New York Rangers, as he was caught squirting water from the Lightning bench. In March of that season, he was handed another $5,000 fine for a dangerous trip on Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner Morgan Rielly.

It has been a bumpy year for Stamkos and the Predators. The 35-year-old might hit the 60-point mark this season, which would be an improvement on his 53-point performance last season, but far from his average production when he was with the Bolts. In 48 games, he has scored 21 goals and 12 assists for 33 points.

Yet, the Predators (23-21-4) are still in the chase for a playoff spot. Along with sitting fifth in the Central Division, Nashville is just one point back of the last Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.