Orpik receives multi-game suspension for knock out hit on Maatta.

A significant suspension in the playoffs.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 7 years ago
Orpik receives multi-game suspension for knock out hit on Maatta.
Keystone Press.

The National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety has determined the hit delivered by Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik to Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maata warrants a multi-game suspension in the playoffs.

Orpik will miss the next three games of this series as a result of his violent elbow to the jaw of Maatta, one that left him out on his feet, and according to Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, out for at least one game in this series.

While a three game suspension is significant in the playoffs, if Maatta were to miss more than three games as a result of his injury, it would effectively turn in to an advantage for the Capitals, one caused by an illegal hit to the head.

For a full breakdown of the NHL's ruling you can watch the video below.

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