Ovechkin avoids suspension for spearing Frederic in groin

Washington Capitals sniper Alex Ovechkin was fined $5,000 - the maximum allowable under the CBA - for spearing Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic in the groin Wednesday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.

The two players received minor penalties on the play: Frederic for crosschecking and Ovechkin for slashing.

Ovechkin and Frederic nearly got into a fight earlier in the game.

Ovechkin's fine is the equivalent of $26.21 for someone who earns $50,000 a year, notes The Athletic's Mark Lazerus.