Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik has been suspended three games for interference against defenseman Olli Maatta of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

As the video explains, Orpik delivered a late hit on Maatta, making significant head contact and causing injury.

The Penguin was not eligible to be checked, seeing as he was not in possession of the puck. A full second passed after Maatta shot the puck at the net, and therefore he should not have reasonably expected to be hit by Orpik at that point.

The hit was deemed to be forceful, unacceptably high and excessively late, and that the point of contact was the head which added to the egregiousness of the play.

Maatta's injury and Orpik's previous suspensions also played a role in the decision.

Pittsburgh head coach said Maatta is "obviously out" of the lineup pending further examination, which he underwent Sunday. His condition has not yet been formally updated.

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