Red Wings Acquire Lang From Capitals

Robert Lang, tied for the NHL scoring lead, was traded from Washington to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, another roster move in a losing season for the Capitals.

Lang, a center, was dealt to the Western Conference-leading Red Wings for left wing Tomas Fleischmann, a first-round choice in the 2004 entry draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2006 entry draft.

Lang, who has 29 goals and 45 assists, is tied for first in scoring with Tampa Bay’s Martin St. Louis with 74 points. He was signed by the Capitals in July 2002 to join former Pittsburgh teammate Jaromir Jagr, now with the New York Rangers. His five-year, $25-million contract remains the richest in club history.

“We could not have asked for more from Robert Lang over the past two seasons,” General Manager George McPhee said. “He has been a terrific player for our club and we consider him as the best free-agent signing in the team’s history.”

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Ottawa winger Martin Havlat was suspended two games by the NHL for hitting Philadelphia’s Mark Recchi in the face with his stick during Thursday night’s 1-1 tie. He’ll sit out games against Buffalo today and Wednesday.

Havlat drew a two-game suspension earlier this season after kicking the New York Islanders’ Eric Cairns. As a repeat offender, the latest suspension will cost him $36,585.