Stevens Faces Fine, Suspension for Punch

As of late Friday, left wing Kevin Stevens still faced a possible fine or suspension by the NHL for his blind-side punch to the right eye of Ottawa defenseman Lance Pitlick on Wednesday.

A league spokesman said Brian Burke, NHL senior vice president, did not complete his review Friday because he did not have a comprehensive tape. The spokesman did not rule out future action by Burke. In most cases, Burke acts swiftly, usually before the player’s next game. King spokesman Mike Altieri said the club had not been informed of any discipline against Stevens and was assuming he could play at Hartford today.

The incident occurred during overtime of the Kings’ 2-2 tie with the Senators after Pitlick punched Stevens and Stevens retaliated, opening a bloody cut near Pitlick’s eye. Referee Dennis Larue did not call a penalty, but the incident was reported to the league by Dave Newell, the supervisor of officials for that game.

Stevens later said he did not remember what happened after Pitlick punched him as they were in the corner, and Ottawa Coach Jacques Martin also said he saw Pitlick strike first.

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An examination in Los Angeles of forward Ian Laperriere’s right shoulder confirmed his injury as a strain. He began rehabilitating the injury and will be reevaluated next week. His status is week to week. Winger Barry Potomski began receiving a series of shots to alleviate disk problems in his back. He also is week to week.