Thornton fined for slash on Johnson

NEW YORK— The NHL fined San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton $5,000 (U.S.) for slashing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Tyler Johnson on Saturday. The fine is the highest allowed under NHL rules. The money is designated to go to the players’ emergency assistance fund. It’s the first time Thornton, 38, has faced supplementary discipline from the league since a two-game ban for delivering a hit to the head of former St. Louis Blues forward David Perron in Novembver 2010.