Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik (OHR’-pihk) has been suspended three games for his late hit to the head of Pittsburgh defenseman Olli Maatta (OH’-lee MAH’-tah) in Game 2 of the second-round series Saturday. The hit, which occurred early in the first period of Game 2, was only given a two-minute minor for interference during the game, but has resulted in a three game suspension for Orpik. The Capitals outhit the Penguins 43-29 in Game 1, though Pittsburgh took a small advantage in Game 2, the first time the Penguins have been credited with more hits than their opponent in the playoffs.
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Orpik, who played with the Penguins before joining Capitals two years ago, had been suspended twice previously. A predator is a guy that’s trying to hurt people. The Caps lose a quality defenseman who knows the opponent well and while they have some great depth on the blue line that can make up for Orpik’s absence they are still going to miss him at the back.
The NHL has really cleaned up its act when it comes to unsafe play, but officials miss too many minor infractions, especially in the playoffs, when skill is negated by the clutching, holding and interference that are rarely called. Sullivan has even talked to him about getting enough rest and recovery time, but he’s not going to mess with what is obviously working for Pittsburgh’s best defensemen.
“He’s a pretty good friend so it made the situation a little tougher, ” said Orpik. In the NHL’s announcement of the suspension, the league said Orpik’s hit came a full second after Maatta had released the puck and Maatta was not eligible to be checked at that point. I think he’s an elite defenseman. “He plays hard, but within the rules”.
When asked to clarify, Trotz offered only “take it for whatever you want”.
“I’m disappointed, but I’m not surprised based on who we’re playing and all that”, the Capitals’ head coach told reporters today.
“A big part of the summer for me is the conditioning”, Letang said. Maatta was being evaluated Sunday, and coach Mike Sullivan isn’t optimistic Maatta will be in the lineup Monday night, likely elevating Justin Schultz back into the lineup. The Penguins have a combined 80 shots on net in the two games and had another 38 blocked. “If you know anything about Brooks, he’s one of the classiest guys, one of the true pros in the league”.
While Orpik didn’t object to the three-game suspension, Capitals Coach Barry Trotz did.
The under cashed in Game 2 for totals bettors for the first time in six meetings, according to the Odds Shark NHL database. The Penguins would have had more if the Capitals hadn’t denied them on all five power-play chances Saturday, moving them to 30 of 31 on the penalty kill this postseason.
“I think he just said I need to get better”, Orlov said before Monday’s game.
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“He’s played here close to 10 years”.
