NHL News and Notes March 4, 2021

Ovechkin Fined $5K

Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin was fined $5,000 for spearing Boston’s Trent Frederic during Wednesday’s game. The fine was the maximum amount allowable under the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Ovechkin and Frederic had been in each other’s faces throughout the game. Ovechkin was given a 2:00 slashing penalty, while Frederic was assessed a 2:00 cross-checking penalty for his actions on the play.

Ovechkin’s fine will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, which is standard for money resulting from fines from NHL disciplinary actions.

Crosby Clears COVID-19 Protocol

Penguins center Sidney Crosby returned to the ice Thursday night after clearing the COVID-19 protocol. Crosby missed Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. He recorded an assist, his 12th of the season, and the Penguins took a 3-0 lead in the first period over Philadelphia.

However, the Flyers came roaring back on the heels of a three-point night from Claude Giroux. The Philly forward scored two goals and added an assist en route to a 4-3 win, thus spoiling Crosby’s return.

Hischier Hurt Again

Newly-named New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier is on the injured list once again. After missing 11 games at the start of the season thanks to an offseason foot injury and having his return delayed because of COVID-19, Hischier suffered a sinus fracture after taking a puck to his visor, also placing him in concussion protocol.

Hischier missed Thursday night’s game, and the Devils have listed him as week-to-week on the injury report. It is unclear if he could return early and play while wearing a cage or bubble-type helmet, but talking about his absence in weeks, not days is troubling.

Nyquist Nearing Return

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Gustav Nyquist skated with the team during Wednesday’s practice, a sign he could be back in the lineup in the near future. Nyquist underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in November, an injury that was expected to keep him out five to six months.

While he likely still has a long way to go, Nyquist would be a welcome addition to the Blue Jackets lineup. He’s scored 146 goals and 202 assists in his NHL career; Cam Atkinson and Nick Foligno are the only players on the Blue Jackets roster who have scored more points in their careers. Nyquist scored 15 goals and 27 assists in 70 games last season and added two assists in the playoffs.

Columbus defeated the Dallas Stars 3-2 Thursday night, their second straight win after their previous five-game losing skid. Boone Jenner has a goal and an assist, while Oliver Bjorkstrand and Eric Robinson each got in on the scoring act as well. Joonas Korpisalo made 22 saves and came up big late to end Dallas’ comeback hopes.