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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.

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.

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.

The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 and the puck drops for Game 3 at 8 p.m.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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