ARLINGTON, Va. — Capitals forward Donald Brashear was suspended Monday by the NHL for six games — five for what the league called a “blind-side hit” on Rangers center Blair Betts — and will miss tonight’s Game 7 of the teams’ first-round playoff series.
In addition to leveling Betts midway through the first period of Washington’s 5-3 victory at New York in Game 6 on Sunday, Brashear made contact with Colton Orr in pregame warm-ups and was barred from one game for that.
“Brashear delivered a shoulder hit to an unsuspecting player,” said Colin Campbell, the NHL’s senior executive VP of hockey operations. “It is also my opinion that the hit was delivered late and targeted the head of his opponent, causing significant injury.”
Betts has a broken bone in his eye socket and was ruled out of tonight’s game in Washington. He is New York’s top penalty-killing forward.
Phaneuf sits
CALGARY, Alberta — Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf did not participate in the team’s morning skate and was not available for Monday’s Game 6 against the Blackhawks after taking a hard hit from Troy Brouwer during Saturday’s Game 5.
Vezina finalists announced
NEW YORK — Niklas Backstrom of the Wild, Steve Mason of the Blue Jackets and Tim Thomas of the Bruins are the finalists for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender. The winner will be revealed June 18. The Associated Press
