Capitals’ Orpik suspended 3 games for hit on Maatta

Capitals' Orpik suspended 3 games for hit on Maatta | iNFOnews.ca
Washington Capitals defenceman Brooks Orpik (44) levels Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta (3) with a high hit during the first period of Game 2 in an NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference semifinal series Saturday, April 30, 2016 in Washington. Orpik says he has no problem with the three-game suspension the NHL levied on him for making contact with Maatta's head in Game 2 on Saturday night. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

Washington Capitals defenceman Brooks Orpik has been suspended three games for his late hit to the head of Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Olli Maatta.

Orpik will miss Game 3 Monday, Game 4 Wednesday and Game 5 Saturday. He’d be eligible to return if the series gets to Game 6 on May 10.

Orpik hit Maatta in the head after the puck was gone four minutes into Game 2 Saturday and was given a two-minute minor penalty for interference. After a hearing with the NHL’s department of player safety, the punishment was far more severe.

Maatta left the game and did not return. Coach Mike Sullivan said the team would probably have an update on Maatta’s status Monday.

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