Nashville forward James Neal has been fined $2,000 for diving/embellishment late in the Sharks-Predators game on Dec. 13, the NHL announced on Wednesday.
Neal was on the receiving end of a soft tap by Sharks forward Barclay Goodrow, and leapt in the air in the neutral zone at 19:39 of San Jose’s 2-0 win. Goodrow was issued a slashing minor.
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The fine marks the first time the NHL has issued supplementary discipline to a player for diving/embellishment under Rule 64, which is “designed to bring attention to and more seriously penalize players (and teams) who repeatedly dive and embellish in an attempt to draw penalties,” according to the league press release.
Neal was previously warned following an incident on Nov. 13 in St. Louis.
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Goodrow had arguably his most effective game to date with the Sharks, and was involved in a number of skirmishes.
“I like getting under their skin,” Goodrow said after the game. “You kind of know you’re doing a good job when they start talking and chirping you. I like to do that as much as possible and just play a scrappy game.”
