Kempny bound for Caps as Hawks land pick

The Washington Capitals acquired defenceman Michal Kempny in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 27-yearold Kempny had a goal and six assists in 31 games for Chicago this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. The NHL trade deadline is Feb. 26. The Blackhawks received a conditional thirdround pick in the deal. The Capitals will part with the higher selection between their own third-rounder and the Toronto pick they acquired from New Jersey as part of the Marcus Johansson trade.

Foligno sidelined up to two weeks

Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno will miss one to two weeks with a lower-body injury. Foligno was injured in Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. After the game, teammate Cam Atkinson said Foligno was cut by a skate. Foligno has 13 goals and 13 assists in 59 games for the Blue Jackets, who are in a tight race to make the playoffs.

Hawks ban fans over racist chant

The four fans ejected from Chicago’s United Center for making racist taunts against a black hockey player have been banned from attending Blackhawks home games. The fans were notified of the decision directly by the Blackhawks, a team spokesman said. The ban comes after four fans were ejected for chanting “basketball, basketball, basketball” at Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly, who was sitting in the penalty box during the Blackhawks’ 7-1 win on Saturday. The Blackhawks and arena officials reacted swiftly by ejecting four fans shortly after an off-ice official sitting next to Smith-Pelly notified building security.