NHL COVID-19 updates: Capitals fined for violating protocol; two more Hurricanes games postponed

As two more NHL games were postponed Wednesday, the league also showed that it is serious about its COVID-19 protocols.

The NHL announced it was fining the Washington Capitals $100,000 for violation of the protocols, saying it "involved social interactions among team members who were in close contact and who were not wearing face coverings."

The league also said Capitals forwards Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov, defenseman Dmitry Orlov and goaltender Ilya Samsonov were placed on the COVID-19 protocol list. That list includes a player who got an initial positive test, is showing symptoms or was in close contact with someone who tested positive.

The postponed games involved the Carolina Hurricanes, who now are missing three games. Tuesday's game against the Nashville Predators was postponed earlier, and games Thursday and Saturday against the Florida Panthers also are off.

Team facilities are closed until further notice.

Hurricanes players Warren Foegele, Jordan Martinook, Jaccob Slavin, Jordan Staal and Teuvo Teravainen are on the COVID-19 protocol list.

COVID-19 has already had a big effect on the NHL season.

The Dallas Stars, who had up to 17 players test positive, have yet to play a game and hope to make their season debut on Friday.

The Panthers have been limited to two games this season because they had been scheduled to play the Stars and Hurricanes.

The league has has to reschedule 10 games.

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