The Washington Capitals played in their first preseason game Monday against the New Jersey Devils — and the amount of penalties called were ugly.
The Capitals committed 10 penalties — seven in the first period — in a 4-1 loss.
But it was just as bad for New Jersey, who also had 10 penalties, and the rest of the NHL. Referees are enforcing stricter interpretations of slashing and face-off violations.
Against New Jersey, the Capitals had three slashing penalties and two game face-off violations. The NHL wants to speed up face-offs, Capitals coach Barry Trotz said.