NHL: Bettman blasts racist Chicago fans

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the league condemns the behavior of four male fans chanting a racial taunt against a black player, and backs the Blackhawks for ejecting the offenders.

Bettman says no one “should ever have to endure such abuse at one of our games.”

The NHL released Bettman’s statement Sunday morning, a day after Capitals forward Devante

Smith-Pelly was taunted by fans while he served a major penalty for fighting.

The fans were shouting “basketball, basketball, basketball,” during the Blackhawks’ 7-1 win. An off-ice official sitting next to Smith-Pelly notified building security, and the fans were ejected.

Bettman says the NHL plans to remind all stakeholders that “they are entitled to enjoy a positive environment, free from unacceptable, inappropriate, disruptive, inconsiderate or unruly behaviors or actions and may not engage in conduct deemed detrimental to that experience.”

The Blackhawks issued a statement apologizing to Smith-Pelly and the Capitals following the game, and said they “are committed to providing an inclusive environment.”

Devils forward Miles Wood has been suspended for two games by the NHL for a blindside hit Saturday on Lightning forward Vladislav

Namestnikov. The suspension will cost Wood just under $10,000 in pay.

In Denver, Connor McDavid had his third hat trick of the season, and the Oilers beat the Avalanche 4-2 to snap a six-game losing streak.

Riley Sheahan scored two goals in the first period and Tristan Jarry made 35 saves in visiting Pittsburgh’s 5-2 win over the Blue Jackets.

Auston Matthews scored with 30.2 seconds left to push visiting Toronto past Detroit, 3-2.