Washington Capitals defenceman Dmitry Orlov went from hero to goat in an important Metropolitan Division match-up, and now he will miss two games for his actions.
Orlov was suspended two games by the NHL’s department of player safety Monday for a hit he delivered on Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn during the third period Sunday at Verizon Center. Because Orlov’s hearing was conducted over the phone, the maximum number of games he could’ve been suspended was five. The blue-liner will forfeit $7,076.92 in salary. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Orlov, who had scored two goals in the game, was dealt a major penalty for boarding at 9:33 of the third after hammering Schenn from behind. Schenn was shaken up but remained in the game. With Orlov in the box and Philadelphia trailing 4-2, the Flyers scored to close the gap to 4-3. Philly then tied the game late and won 5-4 in overtime.
“I understand you want payback, but you’ve got to be disciplined,” Washington coach Adam Oates told reporters after the game. “You expect the other team to have a push. But let’s not give them the push.”
Washington had an opportunity to pass Philadelphia in the Metropolitan Division standings and leap into playoff position for the first time since Jan. 18.
With Orlov out of the lineup, Washington recalled defenceman Jack Hillen from its AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, on Monday afternoon.
The teams face-off again Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center.
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