Oshie bemoans $5K fine: Dept. of Player Safety lacks consistency

T.J. Oshie laments the extra discipline given to him following an incident involving Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.

Oshie was fined $5,000 Saturday after his cross checks on Letang went too far in Friday's meetup between the Penguins and Washington Capitals.

The Capitals winger voiced his frustration with the leadership of the NHL Department of Player Safety, headed by former enforcer George Parros.

"George is old school, and fought, which I think is respectable, so I figured that was the reason there would be no suspension or fine," Oshie told Tarik El-Bashir of NBC Sports Washington. "Last night, Letang got two free shots at my face. One sucker punch, then I dropped the gloves. Apparently, he didn't want to. Then he got another one in once the ref came in.

"Hopefully we figure out a way to get some consistency. It seems like it really depends on who the hitter is, how many games they've played, and who they play for."

Oshie was initially assessed a minor penalty on the play, while Letang was whistled for roughing after he retaliated.

According to the winger, the in-game penalty was enough justice for the infraction.

"I agree it's a penalty, but I don't look down and target," Oshie said. "First of all, I don't hit his head. I don't know what replay or secret angle (the NHL) had."

Oshie was particularly annoyed to receive a fine - the first time he has faced supplemental discipline in his 10-year career - as he was on the receiving end of a questionable call earlier this season that did not get any further attention.

"It's hard to figure out what you're doing to get fined and suspended for, and what you're not," Oshie continued. "I got a concussion a little over a month ago after I got hit. I don't know what the norm is ... I got a concussion on the play and I was out."

He was sidelined for six games as a result of that play.