It was a careless mistake that resulted in a goal for the opposition, but it's something that Jonatan Berggren will be putting behind him.
The Red Wings forward was fined by the NHL today for his actions in the 2nd period of last night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena, an eventual 4-2 Detroit win.
After goaltender Ville Husso froze the puck for a whistle, Berggren was caught in a net-front scuffle with Toronto's Connor Dewar; Berggren then delivered a cross-check to his neck:
Berggren was whistled for a two-minute minor, and just moments later, the Leafs converted thanks to a pretty cross-ice pass from Mitch Marner to Auston Matthews, who fired a one-timer past the outstretched Husso to tie the game.
The Red Wings got a pair of goals from Jeff Petry along with a second period goal from Moritz Seider as part of their win; the Leafs countered with goals from Matthews and Matthew Knies.
Berggren is playing on an expiring contract; he agreed to a one-year, $825,000 deal before this year began.
He spent most of last year playing in the American Hockey League, but thanks to multiple departures from Detroit's roster, Berggren has spent this year at the NHL level.
While Berggren is a talented forward, his smaller stature makes it too easy for opponents to strip him of the puck in most cases.
Will he be back with the Red Wings next year? That's for general manager Steve Yzerman to decide.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 108 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings forward Jonatan Berggren punished by the NHL for reckless penalty vs. Leafs Did Detroit Red Wings forward Jonatan Berggren deserve that fine? | ||
Yes, it was a careless action | 51 | 47.2 % |
No, being penalized on the ice was enough | 57 | 52.8 % |
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