Overview
- Olivier delivered a between-the-legs slash to Florida defenseman Uvis Balinskis that officials ruled a five-minute major and a game misconduct in Columbus on Tuesday.
- The major led to a Panthers power play goal by Carter Verhaeghe and helped fuel a four-goal second period that included Brady Tkachuk’s natural hat trick in a 7-3 Florida win.
- Olivier apologized after the game, saying 'it's on me' and that he could not explain the action, and coach Rick Bowness called the penalty unnecessary while noting Olivier owned up to it.
- The NHL’s Department of Player Safety fined Olivier $5,000, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, and the fine will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
- This incident follows earlier undisciplined penalties by Olivier in the season opener, raises questions about his role as an alternate captain, and could prompt closer league scrutiny of repeat conduct.