Gretzky Fined and Boynton Suspended

NHL adds insult to Phoenix's injury

After being embarrassed by the San Jose Sharks in a 5-0 loss, the Phoenix Coyotes now have to deal with off-ice issues as well. Thanks to a very bad decision made in the last moments of the game Monday night, Nick Boynton now has to serve a one game suspension and his coach, Wayne Gretzky, must pay a fine.

With less than five minutes in the game, Boynton released his frustration on Steve Bernier by grabbing the young winger from behind and throwing a number of cheapshots. Bernier clearly wasn't prepared, but was willing to drop the gloves. Boynton's "surprise attack" left Steve at a disadvantage, but the fight ended up on the ice rather quickly without much damage being done to either player.

After all was said and done, Boynton received a two-minute minor for instigating, a five-minute major for fighting, and an automatic 10-minute misconduct on the play. Bernier also received a five-minute major and a 10-minute misconduct which I thought was ridiculous. Steve gets jumped...defends himself...and then receives 15 PIMs...whatever.

In the end, both Boynton and Gretzky will have to pay for the altercation. Not only did they get whipped 5-0, but Boynton needs to forfeit his pay for one game and Gretzky has to fork over $10,000 to the league. I know that this probably isn't a lot of money for either of them, but I imagine that it does sting a bit because after watching the fight on HockeyFights.com, I don't think that either of them got their money's worth.

A San Jose Sharks Blog