Marc Dumont
The NHL has announced two fines following Game 3 of the second-round series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres.
The first was to Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn, who ran Habs goaltender Jakub Dobes in the second period. Malenstyn never attempted to stop, hitting Dobes at full speed in what seemed like a clear-cut attempt to injure the rookie netminder.
Malenstyn was fined $3,515.63, which is the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement.
Beck Malenstyn with what seems like an attempt to injure Jakub Dobes, runs him at full speed.
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
No attempt to stop.
He received a 2-minute penalty. pic.twitter.com/OOXGECxjl0
Game 3 featured a significant uptick in goalie-related shenanigans, with the Sabres attempting to disrupt Dobes as often as possible.
The good news for the Canadiens is that Dobes stayed in the game, and was in good enough spirits to chirp the Sabres bench once Juraj Slafkovsky capitalized on the ensuing powerplay.
LOL
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
Dobes takes a little skate to thank the Buffalo bench after the Slafkovsky powerplay goal.
Classic. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/fjOyWZMyWn
Xhekaj Fined
The second fine was given to Habs defenceman Arber Xhekaj, who decided it was a good idea to throw a pair of gloved punches at the end of the game, dropping Sabres forward Sam Carrick at the final whistle.
It was an ugly play, and though some may justify the actions by pointing to several chippy plays by the Sabres earlier in the game, there’s really no place for this in a hockey game.
Xhekaj has been particularly efficient in the playoffs, producing excellent numbers on the third pairing, which means the Canadiens are lucky not to lose him to a suspension, but he must be careful not to let emotions boil over going forward. He’s at his best when he walks the line, not when he goes over it.
Arber Xhekaj has been fined $3,385.42 for roughing Sam Carrick. pic.twitter.com/JPNvfzw3IQ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 11, 2026
