Canes' Niederreiter suspended 1 game for slashing Caps' Jonsson-Fjallby

Carolina Hurricanes forward Nino Niederreiter will sit out one game for slashing Washington Capitals winger Axel Jonsson-Fjallby.

Niederreiter struck Jonsson-Fjallby in the face with his stick while the Capitals rookie was sitting on the bench in the first period of the team's shootout win over the Hurricanes on Friday night. The officials handed Niederreiter a minor penalty.

The right wing was apparently retaliating after Washington pest Tom Wilson checked him partially into the Capitals bench - not far from where Jonsson-Fjallby was sitting - moments before the Swiss skater slashed the Swede.

The NHL cited Niederreiter's lack of significant disciplinary history in its decision, adding that the suspension is not more severe because of the lack of force Niederreiter exerted.

Niederreiter, who's in his 10th full NHL season, has been fined once. This is his first suspension.

The 29-year-old will miss Carolina's home game against the New York Rangers on Sunday but will be eligible to return when the team hosts the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.

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