Ducks captain Getzlaf fined for apparent homophobic slur

Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) congratulates goalie John Gibson (36) after the Ducks beat the Nashville Predators in overtime in Game 4 of the Western Conference final in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Thursday, May 18, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Ducks won 3-2 to even the series 2-2. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) congratulates goalie John Gibson (36) after the Ducks beat the Nashville Predators in overtime in Game 4 of the Western Conference final in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Thursday, May 18, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Ducks won 3-2 to even the series 2-2. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

By Associated Press May 20, 2017 1 min read

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf has been fined for apparently using a homophobic slur during Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.

The NHL announced the fine Saturday, shortly before Game 5 against the Nashville Predators.

Getzlaf was captured by television cameras appearing to shout the inappropriate remark in frustration with an official after returning to Anaheim’s bench during overtime.

One year ago, Chicago forward Andrew Shaw was suspended for one game and fined $5,000 for directing a homophobic slur toward an official during a playoff game.

Getzlaf avoided a suspension, but his fine is the maximum allowable under the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the NHLPA.