Referees Still Firm on Obstruction

Judging by the number of power plays in the first three days after the Olympic break, NHL referees are sticking by their season-long code of enforcing tighter obstruction rules.

In the first 22 games, there were an average of 12.5 power plays. Twenty teams had at least seven of them apiece, including the Detroit Red Wings, who converted one of seven in their 2-0 victory over the Mighty Ducks on Wednesday.

“It’s been very evident in any of the games you watch coming out of the break,” Duck Coach Randy Carlyle said Friday. “I think the other night was a prime example of that.”

Defenseman Keith Carney said he thinks the referees intend to remain consistent with their approach in eliminating hooking and holding to impede a skater’s progress.

“In past years, usually by this time of the year it’s really slacked off and they let things go a little bit,” Carney said. “This year, they made a plan and said, ‘This is the way it’s going to be.’ ”

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Carlyle said his players don’t need help understanding the importance of each game as they sit just outside a playoff spot.

“One thing about players,” Carlyle said, “they know the stats, they know the schedule, they know the standings.”

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Minnesota re-signed goaltender Manny Fernandez to a multiyear contract extension. Terms were not disclosed.

Fernandez, 31, is 23-11-4 this season and is fifth in the league with a 2.20 goals-against average. He is making $1.67 million this season.

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With Sandis Ozolinsh’s return to the lineup, Joe DiPenta was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game as the extra defenseman. DiPenta had suited up in 32 consecutive games.