Shattenkirk Held Accountable For Action Against Penguins’ Bunting

Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk of the Boston Bruins has been fined by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for a move he made against Pittsburgh Penguins winger Michael Bunting during Saturday’s game at PPG Paints Arena.

Shattenkirk was fined $2,734.38, the maximum allowed, on Sunday for what was called unsportsmanlike conduct at 19:37 of the first period Saturday.

Bunting made some contact with Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark, and Shattenkirk apparently responded with hit on the wrist to Bunting while Shattenkirk was on the bench.

There was no penalty called at the time, and no indication that the action injured Bunting, who finished the game and subsequently had a goal and an assist. Shattenkirk also scored in the game.

It’s not a huge comeuppance and certainly doesn’t erase the sting of the Penguins’ 6-4 loss in that game that took away their control of their playoff destiny. But it’s … something.

The Penguins sit outside of the playoff picture with games remaining against Nashville at home on Monday and against the New York Islanders on the road on Wednesday. They canceled their practice that had been scheduled for Sunday.