The Boston Bruins suffered a tough loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it cost one player more than just a win. The NHL fined Taylor Hall $5,000 for his sucker punch on Ilya Lyubushkin Tuesday night.

NHL Player Safety tweeted the news Wednesday morning.

The tweet specifically states that the $5,000 fine is the “maximum allowable” under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL and the NHLPA.

Many NHL fans argue that the punch is enough reason to suspend the Bruins winger.

The incident occurred with just under five minutes to play in the second quarter. The Leafs were up 4-1 when Hall got the puck on the boards in the neutral zone. Lyubushkin made a clean hit on Hall, forcing him to fall. Immediately afterward, the Bruins forward gets up, punches Lyubushkin in the right ear, and pushes him to the ice.

Article Continues Below
Related News
Yanni Gourde in a florida panthers jersey with the florida panthers logo. Question marks around him. NHL Free Agency, Lightning, Free Agent, Yanni Gourde
3 best Yanni Gourde destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyBryan Logan ·
Buffalo Sabres right wing Mike Grier (25) applies pressure to Boston Bruins left wing Marco Sturm (16) during the first period of game two in the first round of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs at HSBC Arena.
Bruins rumors: Boston set to name former player as next head coachChristopher Hennessy ·
Boston Bruins center Morgan Geekie (39) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena.
Bruins GM provides big update on key RFAColin Gallant ·
New York Rangers forward Will Cuylle with money raining around him.
3 best destinations for Rangers’ Will Cuylle in 2025 offseasonTristin McKinstry ·
image thumbnail
Bruins rumors: Boston has interviewed at least 6 potential head coachesChristopher Hennessy ·
Don Sweeney is pictured on the red carpet during the 2019 NHL Awards at Mandalay Bay.
Bruins reward GM despite terrible seasonRexwell Villas ·

Lyubushkin exited the game after the altercation and did not return. Fortunately, neither player suffered any substantial injuries and should be available for their upcoming games.

Some fans believe that Hall's action should have resulted in a suspension and compared the hit to Todd Bertuzzi's on Steve Moore in 2004. Bertuzzi was suspended for a total of 20 games spanning over 17 months, per Fandom.

Others believe the Bruins star's hit was a lot less malicious, including Bally Sports' Pete Blackburn.

Regardless of comparisons and consequences, the punch was uncalled for and has no place in the NHL.