Nashville Predators centre Craig Smith battles for a loose puck in front of Buffalo Sabres goaltender Michal Neuvirth during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, in Buffalo.Gary Wiepert/The Associated Press
The NHL has fined Buffalo Sabres goalie Michal Neuvirth $2,000 for diving and embellishment after drawing a penalty in a game against the Nashville Predators last weekend.
The disciplinary action announced on Wednesday was a second offence for Neuvirth. The first offence merited a warning, and occurred during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov. 15.
Fines increase with each instance up to $5,000 following a fifth offence.
The punishment came after the league's Hockey Operations Department reviewed an interference penalty called against Nashville's Mike Santorelli early in the second period of the Predators' 2-1 shootout win.
In a separate move, Buffalo returned rookie defenceman Jake McCabe to AHL Rochester. The Sabres had the day off, and host Vancouver on Thursday.