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Capitals' Orpik says three-game suspension 'fair' for hit on Penguins' Maatta

Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik said his three-game suspension by the NHL was a fair punishment, in a brief but emotional interview after morning skate at Consol Energy Center today.

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Orpik after a late, high hit to the head of Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta in Game 2 that resulted in an undisclosed upper body injury.

“I think it was fair,” Orpik said, standing in the visitors dressing room. “Bad hit … Split second decision you make. You’ve just got to live with it.”

The veteran defenseman played for the Penguins for more than a decade before signing with the Capitals after the 2013-14 season.