Apr 25, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) stops Washington Capitals forward Nic Dowd (26) with the help of teammate defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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Xhekaj, McIlrath Fined for Unsportsmanlike Conduct Before Canadiens vs Capitals Game

NHL fines Canadiens’ Xhekaj and Capitals’ McIlrath, plus teams, after heated pregame incident ahead of Game 4

Tempers flared even before the puck dropped in Game 4 between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals, and it’s now costing a few people some serious money.

On Sunday night (April 28, 2025), the NHL announced that Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj and Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath have both been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct during pregame warmups. According to the league, Xhekaj was fined $3,385.42, while McIlrath was fined $2,018.23. These amounts are the maximum fines allowed under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, based on each player’s salary.

The Canadiens and Capitals have each been fined $25,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct during warmups ahead of Game 4

Additionally, Arber Xhekaj ($3,385.42) and Dylan McIlrath ($2,018.23) were both fined the maximum allowable under the CBA pic.twitter.com/ev3fkWYxnN
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 28, 2025

But it wasn’t just the players who faced penalties. The league also hit both organizations, the Canadiens and the Capitals, with a $25,000 team fine each, holding them accountable for the incident. The NHL didn’t give many details on exactly what triggered the punishment, but it’s clear that tensions between the two clubs are running high as the playoff series heats up.

Xhekaj, who suited up for Game 4, logged over 12 minutes of ice time, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Canadiens from falling 5-2. The win gave the Capitals a 3-1 series lead, pushing Montreal to the brink of elimination. Meanwhile, McIlrath, although involved in the warmup confrontation, was scratched and did not dress for the game. He has yet to appear in a postseason matchup this year.

Both teams are now bracing for Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday night in Washington, where the Capitals will look to close out the series and advance. After the fines and rising emotions, it wouldn’t be surprising if the next few games are even more intense.

Image Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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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!