Hurricanes' Walker fined for punch

RALEIGH, N.C., May 11 (UPI) -- Carolina's Scott Walker was fined, but not suspended, by the NHL for his role in an incident late in the Hurricanes' Game 5 playoff loss to the Boston Bruins.

With 2:47 left in the third period Walker hit Boston's Aaron Ward in the face, forcing the Bruins' defenseman from the game. Game officials issued Walker misconduct, fighting major and instigator penalties.

League rules call for an automatic suspension for an instigator penalty in the last 5 minutes of regulation or in overtime. However, officials can decide not to hand down a suspension.

Such was apparently the case Monday when the league, in a release, said Walker was being fined $2,500 and there will be no additional punishment assessed.

"We are satisfied with the league's ruling," said Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford. "After our team received several punches throughout the series leading up to Game 5, it was a matter of time before one was going to be thrown back."

The Bruins are awaiting additional tests on Ward to see the extent of his injuries. Team officials said Sunday they feared Ward had a broken orbit bone.

Boston won Sunday's game 4-0 but Carolina leads the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series 3-2. Games 6 is scheduled for Tuesday in Raleigh, N.C.