NEW YORK — All that stands between the NHL and a rule banning blindside hits to the head is final approval from the players’ association.
Union representatives on the competition committee signed off on the new rule Wednesday. The executive board will soon vote on the proposed edict to eliminate dangerous hits against unsuspecting skaters. If the ban passes, the NHL will be allowed to issue supplemental discipline to violators as early as today.
Capitals deny allegations
WASHINGTON — Capitals players described their visits to a chiropractor arrested on drug charges as nothing more than routine treatments, while the sheriff leading the investigation said there’s no “conclusive proof” the steroids involved were supplied to athletes.
Douglas O. Nagel, who has treated several Capitals players and whose office is in the same suburban mall as the team’s practice facility, made a brief appearance in court. He is charged with seven counts of soliciting to deliver a controlled substance, specifically steroids.
Nagel was arrested Tuesday, and authorities on the same day went to the Capitals’ offices to interview three players he has treated: Matt Bradley, Shaone Morrisonn and Eric Fehr.
Malkin, Laich sit out
WASHINGTON — Injured centers Evgeni Malkin of Pittsburgh and Brooks Laich of Washington missed Wednesday night’s game between the Penguins and Capitals.
Malkin sat out for the fourth time in five games because of a bruised right foot. Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said he doesn’t have a target date for Malkin’s return, but “it’s not a long-term situation at this point.”
Laich was struck near the eye by a puck during practice Tuesday and also will miss tonight’s game at Carolina.
Ference receives extension
BOSTON — The Bruins signed 31-year-old defenseman Andrew Ference to a $6.75 million, three-year contract extension that runs through the 2013-14 season.
The Associated Press
