Washington Capitals forward Donald Brashear was suspended yesterday by the NHL for a total of six games -- five for what the league called a "blind-side hit" on New York Rangers center Blair Betts -- and will miss Game 7 tonight.

In addition to leveling Betts midway through the first period of Washington's 5-3 victory Sunday in Game 6, Brashear made contact with Colton Orr in pregame warm-ups and was barred for one game for that.

"Brashear delivered a shoulder hit to an unsuspecting player," said Colin Campbell, the NHL's senior executive VP of hockey operations. "It is also my opinion that the hit was delivered late and targeted the head of his opponent, causing significant injury."

Betts has a broken bone in his eye socket and was ruled out of the series-deciding game in Washington. He is New York's top penalty-killing forward

Brashear's full suspension will be served during this postseason and, if necessary, the 2009-10 regular season.

Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf missed Game 6 last night against the Chicago Blackhawks after taking a hard hit in their game Saturday. The Norris Trophy nominee was hit by Chicago's Troy Brouwer with about eight minutes left in Game 5, which the Blackhawks won, 5-1, to take a 3-2 series lead. Phaneuf skated off the ice after the hit and did not return.

Top defensemen Sami Salo and Willie Mitchell are expected to play when Vancouver starts the second round of the NHL playoffs. Salo was back at practice yesterday after missing Game 4 in St. Louis, and pronounced himself fit. Mitchell, who was limping after Game 4, skipped practice yesterday after leaving early Saturday, but coach Alain Vigneault expects him to play. The Canucks have been waiting and resting since sweeping St. Louis a week ago.

Niklas Backstrom of the Minnesota Wild, Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins are the finalists for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender. The winner will be revealed June 18 in Las Vegas.