Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm was ejected from Thursday's game against the Calgary Flames after slashing Elias Lindholm in the back of the leg during play. On Friday, he was fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Department of Player Safety announced.
The incident occurred after the two players collided in the Flames' defensive zone during the third period.
Darren Helm gets tossed out of the game after a greasy slash pic.twitter.com/C0r4SpGFTs
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) October 18, 2019
A longer replay shows Helm circle back around to confront Lindholm after the Flames forward hit him with an elbow or shoulder to the head, knocking Helm to the ground.
When Helm got back on his skates, he glided toward Lindholm — nowhere near the puck — and slashed No. 28 in the back of his right leg. Play ceased as Lindholm fell to the ice and referees and players alike converged in front of the Calgary net.
More context to the Helm slash. Lindholm appears to have caught him with an elbow/shoulder to the head just prior (in addition to another previous collision). pic.twitter.com/Fa18fHYFil
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) October 18, 2019
The slash earned Helm, 32, a two-minute minor for slashing and a game misconduct, which prevented him from playing in the remainder of the game. Lindholm has also assessed an interference penalty on the play, though it was served by teammate Austin Czarnik as Lindholm left the game with an injury.
Neither player involved incurs trips to the penalty box often — Helm's 12 penalty minutes received were his first of the season. According to the NHL rulebook, his ejection means the league could tack on an additional fine or suspension for his actions.
There have been no updates given on the status of Lindholm's injury, however, the Calgary Herald's Wes Gilbertson reported Friday morning there is optimism it is nothing serious.
Helm and Lindholm each scored goals in the Flames' 5-1 win over the Red Wings at the Saddledome.