Mar 23, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues center Alexandre Texier (9) is congratulated by center Robert Thomas (18) center Zack Bolduc (76) defenseman Cam Fowler (17) and center Dalibor Dvorsky (54) after scoring against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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Blues Forward Zack Bolduc Fined for Cross-Check Against Predators

Bolduc receives a $2,248.26 fine after a late-game cross-check on Nick Blankenburg during the Blues’ heated win over the Predators.

The St. Louis Blues are on fire, riding a six-game winning streak at the perfect time as they push for the playoffs. Their latest victory over the Nashville Predators kept their momentum going, but the game didn’t end without drama. As the final minutes ticked away, tensions boiled over, leading to a heated altercation between the two teams.

Blues forward Zack Bolduc found himself at the center of the controversy. Late in the game, with St. Louis holding a 3-1 lead, Nashville’s Nick Blankenburg attempted a big hit on Robert Thomas but missed, sending himself crashing to the ice. That’s when things escalated. Before Blankenburg could get up, Bolduc skated over and delivered a forceful cross-check to his arm. The hit immediately drew a reaction, sparking a scuffle between players from both sides. As the chaos unfolded, officials quickly stepped in, assessing Bolduc a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Blankenburg, despite being the recipient of the hit, was also penalized, receiving a minor for tripping Thomas.

Power play goal for St. Louis!

Scored by Alexandre Texier with 03:03 remaining in the 1st period.

Assisted by Robert Thomas and Zack Bolduc.

St. Louis: 2
Nashville: 0#NSHvsSTL #stlblues #Smashville pic.twitter.com/KNNulgXojS
— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) March 23, 2025

After reviewing the play, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety opted to fine Bolduc rather than suspend him. The league announced he would be fined $2,248.26 for the cross-check, a penalty that reflects the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement. Though he avoided a suspension, the fine serves as a reminder that reckless play won’t go unnoticed.

Also Read: Vancouver Canucks Elias Pettersson, Nils Hoglander Sidelined for at Least Four Games

The Bolduc incident wasn’t the only heated moment of the game. The Blues and Predators racked up a combined 61 penalty minutes, with emotions running high throughout. Just moments before Bolduc’s cross-check, Blues forward Nathan Walker and Predators forward Michael McCarron were both handed misconduct penalties, adding to the tension between the two teams.

Despite the chippy play, the Blues kept their composure where it mattered most, on the scoreboard. Their six-game winning streak has propelled them right into the thick of the playoff race, and with only a handful of games left, every point is crucial. While physicality and emotion are part of hockey, the Blues will need to strike the right balance between playing tough and staying disciplined. As they continue their push for the postseason, keeping their cool in heated moments could be just as important as finding the back of the net.

Image Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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St. Louis Blues

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!