The Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins were once both the toast of the Eastern Conference, but both franchises have fallen on difficult times of late – especially the Penguins. But that didn’t stop things from getting feisty during Friday night’s 2-1 victory by the Penguins over the Bruins at TD Garden.

The NHL has fined Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin and Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov $5,000 each for their roles in a bench altercation during Friday night’s game at TD Garden.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was fined by the NHL for slashing another player during a game against the Boston Bruins Friday night.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was fined $5,000 by the NHL for slashing Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei during a game on Friday. The league announced the fine - as well as an identical fine to Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov - on Saturday.

With 22 seconds remaining in the period, Boston defenseman Zadorov jabbed Malkin with his stick from the Boston bench. Malkin retaliated with a turning one-handed stick swing, perhaps hitting Zadorov on the helmet.

The penalties at the end of the first period between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins will probably cost at least one player a few dollars after the NHL Department of Player Safety gets a good look.

Friday's matchup between the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins had plenty of dramatics despite being a modest three-goal event. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety involved itself Saturday.