NHL fines Canadiens forward Anderson, Capitals forward Wilson for brawl on bench

Montreal Canadiens' Josh Anderson (17) falls into Washington Capitals' bench as he fights with Capitals' Tom Wilson (43) following second period NHL playoff action in Montreal on Friday, April 25, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi) (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)

The NHL has punished the main combatants in a bench-clearing altercation in Friday night’s playoff game between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals.

Canadiens forward Josh Anderson and Capitals forward Tom Wilson were each fined $5,000 by the league.

It’s the maximum allowable under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement.

Wilson and bruising Montreal defenceman Arber Xhekaj were pushing and shoving each other as time expired in the second period.

Anderson intervened before falling backwards into Washington’s bench, which had a door open.

The six-foot-four, 225-pound Wilson followed the six-foot-three, 226-pound Anderson in and charged through a linesman toward the Canadiens winger before a roaring crowd at Bell Centre.

Both Anderson and Wilson were assessed a minor penalty for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct for the fight.

Their fine money goes to the players’ emergency assistance fund.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 26, 2025.