CENTER PECA GETS SUSPENSION CUT TO FIVE GAMES
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Blue Jackets center Michael Peca’s suspension for making contact with an official was cut to five games by the NHL on Friday.
Peca, who met with NHL officials Thursday, was suspended for grabbing an official’s arm during the Blue Jackets’ Oct. 10 season opener at Dallas. Originally deemed a Category II penalty, which requires a 10-game suspension, it was cut in half after the league looked at video of the offense. Peca will forfeit more than $35,000 in pay before he is permitted to return Friday against the Rangers.
Kings give Greene extension
LOS ANGELES — Defenseman Matt Greene signed a five- year extension with the Kings through the 2013-14 season.
Coyotes enforcer suspended
TORONTO — Phoenix Coyotes left wing Daniel Carcillo has been suspended for two games without pay for a fight during Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. He forfeits $9,610.22.
In the second period, Carcillo came off the bench and fought the Blackhawks’ Ben Eager. Carcillo will be eligible to return Thursday against the Capitals.
Blues backup goalie has appendectomy
ST. LOUIS — Blues backup goaltender Chris Mason is expected to miss two weeks after emergency appendectomy surgery.
Mason is in his first season with the Blues. He has made one appearance this season, giving up four goals in a 5-2 loss to the Islanders on Oct. 11.
Capitals recall Bourque
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Capitals recalled forward Chris Bourque from Hershey (Pa.) of the American Hockey League.
Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, was one of the Capitals’ final cuts at the end of the preseason. The 22-year-old has played in three games for Hershey this season, notching two goals and three assists.
Tuned in.
Versus began the regular season with its best opening night ratings.
The network ran a doubleheader, featuring the Red Wings at home against the Maple Leafs in the opener.
It earned a 0.5 rating. The nightcap of Boston against Colorado received a 0.3 rating.
The telecast of the Red Wings and Maple Leafs was the most-watched regular-season NHL game on Versus, with 360,944 households and 572,897 total viewers. The ratings were 33 percent higher than last season’s first night.
The Associated Press
