NHL issues punishment after Monday’s games as focus shifts to Josh Anderson

Tampa Bay Lightning fans can swallow their pride today.

The only punishment announced by the NHL involves Sean Durzi of Utah, who was fined $5,000—the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement—for headbutting Rasmus Andersson of the Vegas Golden Knights.

On Tampa’s side, there is complete silence for now.

And yet, Lightning fans were calling for NHL intervention against Anderson for his hit on Charles-Edouard D’Astous during Game 1 of the series against the Montreal Canadiens.

Josh Anderson avoids discipline as NHL upholds legal hit, D’Astous doubtful for Game 2

Anderson played his role to perfection, never targeting the head.

It’s the kind of physical play you want to see in the playoffs.

D’Astous left the game and did not return for the third period.

We wish him a speedy recovery, and that is truly the bad news here.

But punishing a player for physical strength on a legal hit would have been a bad decision by the National Hockey League.

In short, the situation appears to be settled, much to the frustration of those who were calling for a suspension for Anderson.

Anderson will be in the lineup for Game 2 Tuesday night in Tampa, barring a major surprise.

However, for Tampa, the news is not as positive, as Charles-Edouard D’Astous is reportedly doubtful for Game 2.