Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole has been suspended by the club, pending an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse. As a result, the veteran blue-liner, who signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Lightning in July, is set to miss the team's season opener on Tuesday against the Rangers. Cole has denied any wrongdoing via a statement through his agent. "I take the allegations made against me today in an anonymous tweet very seriously,'' Cole said. "I look forward to clearing my name and demonstrating to the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning that these allegations are unfounded." Cole has won the Stanley Cup twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins and he skated in 75 games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season, recording 19 points with 104 hits and 110 blocks. Haydn Fleury looks set to replace him in the lineup on Tuesday.
