Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin, Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov each fined $5K

The incident appeared to be initiated by Zadorov after he was seen poking at Malkin from the Bruins bench. The Penguins forward took exception to Zadorov’s antics and retaliated by swinging his stick in return.

Zadorov was assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and Malkin was assessed a minor penalty for slashing Boston’s Mason Lohrei.

The incidents occurred in the final seconds of the opening period in what ended as a 2-1 win for Pittsburgh.

After the game, Zadorov was asked if he and Malkin had any prior history that may have contributed to the antics.

“We’re old friends, yeah, sure,” the Bruins defenceman said, per Bridgette Proulx. “I’m not going to say more about that.”

The Penguins return to action on Saturday for the second end of a back-to-back, hosting the Calgary Flames. The Bruins get back on the ice Monday as they welcome the Montreal Canadiens to Boston.