NHL clears Alex Burrows, lacks evidence of intentional bite

Alex Burrows is cleared to play Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final after the NHL ruled Thursday that there would be no suspension or fine for the Vancouver Canucks forward.

Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron said Wednesday that Burrows had bit his finger during a scrum behind the net at the end of the first period.

But the NHL's Mike Murphy said in a statement: "After reviewing the incident, including speaking with the on-ice officials, I can find no conclusive evidence that Alex Burrows intentionally bit the finger of Patrice Bergeron."

Burrows received a double minor for roughing on the play and Bergeron a single minor.

The announcement will be good news for the Canucks because Burrows plays on their top line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin and also gets power play and penalty killing time.

Stanley Cup Final schedule Canucks lead series 1-0 Game 1: Canucks 1, Bruins 0 June 4: at Vancouver, 8 (NBC) June 6: at Boston, 8 (Versus) June 8: at Boston, 8 (Versus) x-June 10: at Vancouver, 8 (NBC) x-June 13: at Boston, 8 (NBC) x-June 15: at Vancouver, 8 (NBC) x-if necessary. All times ET

Television replays showed Bergeron putting his glove in Burrows' face, but when it appears that the Canucks player might have bitten down, Burrows' glove comes up and hides the view.

"Oh yeah, he did. He cut me a little bit on my finger," Bergeron, whose right index finger was wrapped in a small bandage, told news reporters after the game. "One of his teeth caught under my nail. We just disinfected it and I'm going to take some antibiotics just to make sure. Obviously, it's not that bad, but I don't want to take any risks."

Burrows denied biting Bergeron.

"I don't think so," Burrows said after the game. "He had his fingers in my mouth, but I don't think I bit him. He put his hand up and put it in my face and his fingers in my mouth and that's what happened."

Bergeron on Thursday said he was over the incident.

"I'm looking forward to the next game," he said. "We've got to get back in the series. Like I said last night, it's the league's decision, and I've got to let them make it. ... I don't want to whine about that stuff. I don't care."

The Canucks lead the series 1-0 after a 1-0 victory in the opener. Game 2 is Saturday night in Vancouver.

Contributing: The Associated Press