PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Penguins winger James Neal was fined $2,500 by the NHL Tuesday because of a high stick at Montreal in a 4-3 Penguins overtime win.

The infraction happened as Neal was falling. His feet were kicked out from underneath his body and as he fell his stick smacked the helmet of Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban.

The fine is the largest that can be assessed under the current collective bargaining agreement.

Players controlling their sticks is a big part of the NHL rule book, and Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said he wasn’t surprised by the fine.

“I think that’s (relevant) regardless of the situation,” Bylsma said. “Obviously he was aided and there was a kicking of the feet, but he’s responsible for his stick. It was a hi-stick.”

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