Capitals Defenseman Orpik Thinks 3-Game Suspension Is Fair
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) - Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik says he has no problem with the three-game suspension the NHL levied on him for making contact with Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta's head in Game 2 on Saturday night.
Orpik called the decision "fair" while speaking to reporters following Washington's morning skate on Monday ahead of Game 3.
Orpik: I think (suspension) was fair. it was bad hit. Nothing to argue. It was late. Pretty black & white. Have to live with it -SK
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) May 2, 2016
The league took issue with the nature of Orpik's hit on Maatta early in the first period of Pittsburgh's 2-1 victory in Game 2. Orpik took aim at Maatta long after the puck had left Maatta's stick. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said Monday that Maatta is out of the lineup for Game 3.
Coach Sullivan on if Olli Maatta could play in the #WSHvsPIT series: "Is there a possibility? Yeah. He's not going to play tonight."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 2, 2016
Orpik described the decision to hit Maatta "a pretty bad mistake." He won't be eligible to return until Game 6, if necessary.
Capitals head coach Barry Trotz felt differently about the suspension, saying he wasn't surprised given that they were playing the Penguins.
#Caps Coach Trotz said he's disappointed with suspension length "but not surprised give the opponent" -SK
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) May 2, 2016
The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 and the puck drops for Game 3 at 8 p.m.
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