Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin earned a five-minute major for boarding during the second period of Saturday's 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins after hitting defenseman Kevan Miller from behind.
Related: Ovechkin draws 5-minute major for boarding Bruins' Miller
While the hit forced Miller from the game with an apparent shoulder injury, the Russian forward insists there was no intent to hurt his opponent.
"Oh, it's just a hockey play," Ovechkin told reporters, according to NESN.com. "I tried to kind of, like - I don't try to hit him. I didn't see a replay, but my motion was not like try to headhunt.
"I just try to play the puck, and he kind of turned, and there was hit. At least, I told the referee I didn't try to go through him or something, just trying to pin him."
The NHL will look into the incident, but the league's leading goal-scorer doesn't seem worried about receiving further discipline.
"No, I don't think it's (worthy) of suspension or something," he added. "I don't try to hit the head, just to be in my spot and make a play. He's turning at the boards."
Ovechkin was suspended twice during the 2009-10 campaign, receiving a pair of two-game bans during a season in which he racked up three game misconducts. He was suspended for one game earlier this season for sitting out All-Star weekend in Nashville.
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