"I said at the time of the suspension I thought it was harsh," McPhee said after walking into the Capitals' offices at the MCI Center for the first time since Sept. 30. "And having lived it for a month, it was harsh. But it was the appropriate thing."

Commissioner Gary Bettman suspended McPhee and fined him $20,000 for a fight outside the Chicago Blackhawks locker room after an exhibition game in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 25.

Upset that the Blackhawks had used a lineup of brawlers, McPhee started his own brawl by punching Chicago coach Lorne Molleken. Players joined the melee, and McPhee's suit was ripped by the time police intervened.

"I just wanted to know what the point was, why they were playing that way," McPhee said. "I don't mind good, honest, tough hockey, but when people are being sent to fight, I have a problem with that.

"I thought I approached in a very civil manner and certainly did not want to be involved in a physical confrontation. The intentions were good, but the result was not.

"I'm sorry it happened, but I don't think I can ever regret standing up for what I thought was right."

McPhee was not allowed to have any contact with the Capitals or any other NHL team during his suspension. He passed the time watching junior hockey and the Portland Pirates, the Capitals' minor league affiliate. He also watched many NHL games on TV.

"You can stay on top of things watching other teams play," McPhee said. "It's a little superficial because you don't get to talk to the general managers and find out what their needs are.

"It's been difficult. This business, you're always on the run, you're always on call, and to have it suddenly stop is difficult. It has felt like a long time."

Fans waved "Free McPhee" signs at Washington's home opener, a 2-2 tie with Los Angeles. Since then, the team's fortunes have sunk dramatically; the Capitals (2-6-2) arrived home Monday from a West Coast road trip on a six-game winless streak.

"I have to get around the team to feel what the morale is," McPhee said. "If the morale is low, I may have to do something."

If there was one good thing to come out of the suspension, it was extra time McPhee got to spend with his children. He also didn't lose his sense of humor.

"My daughter's 3; my son's 1," McPhee said. "And if I have another son or daughter as a result of this month, I'll name him Gary -- because he helped."