The Bruins already had plenty of holiday cheer knowing they would be escaping Sunday's snowstorm with a trip to sunny Florida. But they got even more good news on Sunday when they learned forward Milan Lucic would not be suspended for any games on the trip.
Lucic was fined a total of $3,500 for the match penalty he received for punching Atlanta defenseman Freddy Meyer in a scrum late in Thursday's 4-1 win over Atlanta. Meyer delivered a high hit to Lucic and defenseman Andrew Ference immediately grabbed Meyer, setting off a lengthy brawl.
Lucic eventually got an arm loose in the scrum and decked Meyer with a punch, earning a match penalty and a game misconduct. The match penalty comes with an automatic league review for further discipline, and Lucic had a hearing with the league on Sunday.
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli issued a statement after the disciplinary hearing detailing the punishment Lucic received.
"The NHL has informed us that Milan will not be suspended as a result of the match penalty assessed to him during our game against the Thrashers last Thursday," Chiarelli said in the statement. "He will be fined $2,500 for the punch thrown in the scrum and $1,000 for making an obscene gesture directed at the Thrashers bench. He will join the team on the flight to Florida and be available for Monday's game against the Panthers."
Lucic's hearing was conducted by league vice president of hockey operations Mike Murphy in place of NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell, who usually handles all disciplinary decisions. Campbell's son, Greg, plays for the Bruins, so Colin Campbell will not preside over any decisions involving Boston.
The Bruins moved up their practice and flight time on Sunday to beat the approaching storm, as they embark on a five-game road trip that opens Monday in Florida.
