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.

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.

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.

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.