NEW YORK — Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has been suspended for three games for a charging incident in which he launched himself to hit Pittsburgh defenseman Zbynek Michalek during Sunday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Penguins.

The incident occurred at 4:05 of the second period. No penalty was assessed on the play.

Ovechkin had a goal and two assists in the game for Washington, which trails Florida by one point in the Southeast Division. He will eligible to return on Feb. 4 against Montreal.

Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Ovechkin will forfeit $154,677.75.

NFC title game draws big ratingsNEW YORK — The New York Giants’ overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers was the third-most watched conference championship game in 30 years.New York’s 20-17 win for the NFC title Sunday on Fox had a 30.6 fast national rating and 44 share, Nielsen Media Research said Monday.New England’s 23-20 win over Baltimore in the AFC title game drew a 27.4/48 fast national, the highest rating for an early AFC championship since the San Diego’s 17-13 win over Pittsburgh drew a 28.3/58 on NBC in January 1995. The Patriots’ win drew 48.7 million viewers.The NFC playoffs averaged a 23.9/43 and 42.6 million viewers, the network’s most watched playoffs and up 11 percent from last year.

Posada expected to retire todayNEW YORK — The New York Yankees say Jorge Posada is going to announce his retirement Tuesday at Yankee Stadium.The 40-year-old five-time All-Star catcher will end his 17-year big league career with the team that drafted him rather than pursue another team. Posada became a free agent after a trying season in New York, the final year of a four-year, $52 million contract.

Selig extension through 2014NEW YORK — Given some time to reconsider, the San Diego Padres have voted in favor of baseball Commissioner Bud Selig’s two-year extension.Selig’s latest agreement was finalized in a 30-0 vote, the commissioner’s office said Monday.

Owner might rename AstrosHOUSTON — New Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is considering changing the name of the franchise as well as its uniforms.Crane said Monday the team will conduct a study to decide whether or not to switch the name.

Red Sox agree to deal with RossSAN FRANCISCO — Cody Ross agreed to sign with the Boston Red Sox, giving them an experienced hitter with postseason success on his resume to help replace J.D. Drew in right field.Foxsports.com and ESPN.com reported the contract is for one year and $3 million. Ross told The Associated Press in a text message late Monday that the deal won’t be finalized until he takes a physical.