The intensity between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres is reaching a boiling point, and Game 3 proved to be a physical showdown that left the NHL Player Safety department busy on Monday. While the Habs grabbed a 2-1 series lead on Sunday night, the action off the ice was just as heated, with fines handed out to two players—but no suspensions, keeping the rosters intact for what promises to be a fiery continuation.

Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn was hit with a $3,515.63 fine for goalie interference against Montreal's Jakub Dobes. The play saw Malenstyn barreling toward the net at nearly full speed, with a defenseman on his back limiting his ability to stop. He made little effort to avoid crashing into Dobes, drawing a penalty on the ice and a subsequent fine from the league, which noted it was the maximum allowable under the CBA.

On the other side, Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj was fined $3,385.42 for roughing Buffalo's Sam Carrick as time expired in the game. The incident sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some labeling Xhekaj's punch a "sucker punch." Regardless of the terminology, the league opted for a fine rather than a suspension, a decision that will keep both players in the lineup for Game 4.

These fines signal that the NHL is closely monitoring the escalating tensions, but the lack of suspensions means the physical edge will remain a key storyline. As the series progresses, the heat is likely to rise further, especially if these teams push to six or seven games. For now, the Canadiens and Sabres are locked in a battle that's as much about grit as it is about skill—and fans should expect no shortage of fireworks ahead.