NHL Fines Islanders' Bo Horvat for Bench Incident

Fans criticize the league for 'ridiculous' punishment over 'harmless' interaction with Sharks' player

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In a recent game between the New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks, Islanders forward Bo Horvat scored the overtime winner. However, Horvat was also fined $2,500 by the NHL for an incident on the bench where he poked Sharks' forward William Eklund. Fans have taken to social media to mock the league for what they see as an overly harsh punishment for a 'harmless' interaction.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the NHL's tendency to strictly police player behavior, even in situations that many fans view as innocuous. The fine on Horvat comes at a critical time, as both the Islanders and Sharks are fighting for playoff positions in their respective conferences.

The details

In the overtime period of Saturday's game, Bo Horvat scored the game-winning goal for the Islanders. However, he was later fined $2,500 by the NHL for an incident that occurred on the bench. Horvat was seen poking Sharks' forward William Eklund, seemingly in a playful manner, before skating away. The league deemed this interaction worthy of a financial penalty.

  • The incident occurred during Saturday's game between the New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks.
  • Horvat scored the overtime winner in that game.

The players

Bo Horvat

A forward for the New York Islanders who scored the overtime winner in Saturday's game against the San Jose Sharks.

William Eklund

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who was on the bench when the incident with Horvat occurred.

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The takeaway

The NHL's decision to fine Bo Horvat for a seemingly harmless interaction with an opposing player has drawn widespread criticism from fans, who view the league's actions as overly strict and out of touch with the spirit of the game. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the league's desire to maintain order and the fans' desire for a more relaxed, fun-filled hockey experience.