Canes’ Nino Niederreiter suspended one game by NHL for slashing incident in Caps game

Carolina Hurricanes forward Nino Niederreiter was suspended for one game by NHL Player Safety on Saturday for slashing Washington’s Axel Jonsson-Fjallby during Friday’s game, the league announced. Niederreiter was knocked into the Capitals bench during the first period of the Canes’ 4-3 shootout loss. His helmet dislodged, Niederreiter took a swipe with his stick and hit Jonsson-Fjallby near the visor as linesman Bryan Pancich was trying to push the Canes toward his own bench.

Niederreiter was called for a slashing penalty and the Caps were assessed a bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct at 13:50 of the period. The Canes, who have lost their last three games, host the New York Rangers on Sunday at PNC Arena. Niederreiter became the first Hurricanes player to be suspended since Kevin Westgarth, who drew a two-game suspension in November 2013.

Carolina forward Jordan Martinook was injured Thursday in the game at Toronto and replaced in the lineup Friday by rookie Seth Jarvis, who scored twice. With Niederreiter is suspended and Martinook unable to return, the Canes could call up a forward from the Chicago Wolves of the AHL or use seven defensemen if Tony DeAngelo can return from injury Sunday.