Stephen Whyno | Associated Press

Alex Nedjelkovic made 30 saves to backstop the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-1 victory at the Washington Capitals.

The death of American hockey player Adam Johnson from a skate cut to the neck during a game in England has led to plenty of talk about how to prevent such injuries, and opened the door for new technology when it comes to on-ice protection from skate blades.

The new women's league will begin competing in North America as early as January and is expected to begin with six teams, split between the U.S. and Canada. It also opens the door for potential involvement from the NHL.