Winnipeg Jets star Neal Pionk handed huge fine after shocking hip check against the Florida Panthers
The Winnipeg Jets have been on a roll this season, and after their latest defeat, Neal Pionk has faced discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety after a shocking hip-check on Jesper Boqvist during the team's latest loss.
After a 15-1-0 start to the 2024/25 campaign, the Winnipeg Jets have dropped back-to-back games including a 5-0 shutout defeat to the Florida Panthers on Saturday night.
Many moments cost them the game against the Panthers, but there was one moment in particular that stands out in the third period involving veteran Neal Pionk.
In that moment, Pionk delivered a hip check to opposing defenseman Jesper Boqvist, resulting in a spectacular-looking hit that ultimately drew the ire of the NHL's Department of Player Safety, as he now officially faces discipline from the league.
Unsurprisingly, given how low Pionk got on the play, clipping Boqvist around the legs, the DoPS was always going to get involved, as they handed him the biggest fine allowable under the current CBA.
Despite the two straight losses, the Jets remain 15-3-0 on the year, proving that they've been the best team in the NHL to this point, and it's Pionk's physical play contributes heavily to that.
During their disciplinary statement, the DoPS stated that this was 'clipping', as he simply got too low for it to be considered a hip check, which remains legal in today's NHL.
Unfortunately though, sometimes players just get it wrong, and while it wasn't an intentional act to hurt Boqvist, as that would have resulted in a suspension, he just got it wrong on this occasion, and it has resulted in a massive fine.
While a fine may not be too much of an issue for players in the NHL, the issue now becomes that he could be seen as a repeat offender, so we may potentially see him ease off shortly.
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