Lambert Draws Suspension

The NHL suspended Nashville Predator left wing Denny Lambert for four games Friday and fined him $1,000 for slashing Detroit Red Wing left wing Kirk Maltby.

Lambert was assessed a match penalty for an attempt to injure at 14:47 of the third period of Wednesday’s game won by the Red Wings, 5-2.

“The slash by Lambert was severe and deliberate,” NHL senior vice president Colin Campbell said.

The fine is the maximum allowed under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

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Boston Bruin holdout Anson Carter became the second NHL player in five days to sign a short-term contract with the International Hockey League’s Utah Grizzlies.

Carter, a 24-year-old center who established career highs in points, goals and assists last season, signed a 25-game contract.

New Jersey Devil defenseman Scott Niedermayer, another NHL holdout, signed with the Grizzlies earlier.

Both players are restricted free agents and have been unable to reach new contract agreements with their NHL clubs.

Carter, 24, will likely begin playing with Utah tonight against the Kansas City Blades.