NHL Sunday: Capitals close the door on Rangers

While no penalty was called on the play, Player Safety has requested a phone hearing with Phaneuf that will take place on Tuesday. The Department is considering supplemental discipline under the terms of boarding.

The incident occurred at the 17:39 mark of the third period when Miller was attempting to retrieve a puck in the Bruins defensive zone. Phaneuf connected on the hit, which resulted in Miller immediately leaving the ice.

If close hockey games are your thing, you didn’t have much fun on Sunday.

Hey, not every day can be Saturday.

The hit came as Miller was retrieving a puck along the corner boards in the Bruins’ own end. As he turned to move the puck back up the ice, Phaneuf came barreling in and collided with him.

Whether Phaneuf will receive any league punishment remains to be seen. In the meantime, it’s another blow to what is now a seriously depleted Bruins roster.

After all, it’s pretty disrespectful to use your hockey stick to spear another man’s....well, hockey stick.

Since then, the Capitals have laid enough hits on Kreider to send him back to the bench grimacing. Sounds about right.

Grant Fuhr would be proud.

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Staal immediately skated off the ice and headed to the locker room, but not before letting out some anger.

Staal’s frustration is warranted. He missed 36 games in 2011-12 with a concussion and played only half of last season due to a scary eye injury after getting hit by a puck. Another lengthy absence is the last thing Staal or the Rangers need right now.

Kelly has three goals and seven points through 23 games this season.

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