NEWARK—New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier and Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk have history. And that history was revisited on Tuesday night amid the Devils’ 2-1 shootout loss to the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

NHL Player Safety has announced that New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic has been fined $1,996.53 for cross-checking Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. This is the maximum allowable fine under the CBA.

Matthew Tkachuk had himself an excitable night with the Florida Panthers on Friday night. Tkachuk spent a good portion of Florida’s 3-2 shootout win against the Penguins off of the ice, officials slapping him with a 2-minute unsportsmanlike penalty as well as a 10-minute misconduct in the second period.

New Jersey Devils left wing Kurtis MacDermid (23) pushes Florida Panthers defenseman Tobias Bjomfot into the glass during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo | Julia Demaree Nikhinson) AP