Sharks' criticism draws $100,000 fine
The San Jose Sharks spoke critically Friday against the NHL suspension imposed on forward Raffi Torres -- and a day later it cost them.
The league fired back on Saturday, fining the organization $100,000 for comments made by general manager Doug Wilson, who called Torres' suspension for the remainder of the second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings "unfair."
The NHL commissioner's office announced that the fine included an automatic $25,000 for discussing the suspension within a 48-hour window and $75,000 for the "inappropriate nature of the comments."
Torres was suspended for a hit on the Kings' Jarret Stoll in Game 1 of the series. The league ruled that it was an illegal check to the head area. Stoll left that game and also didn't return to play in Game 2.
The Sharks had strongly disagreed with the ruling in a statement issued Friday .
"It is abundantly clear that this was a clean hockey hit," Wilson said. "As noted by the NHL, Raffi's initial point of contact was a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on an opponent who was playing the puck. He did not leave his feet or elevate, he kept his shoulder tucked and elbow down at his side, and he was gliding -- not skating or charging."
Because it was the fourth suspension of Torres' career, he is considered a repeat offender for dangerous hits under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The San Jose Mercury News reported Saturday that the Sharks will not comment on the organization's fine.
The two teams met in Game 3 on Saturday night with the Kings holding a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
