NHL suspends Caps Dmitry Orlov two games for knee-to-knee hit
Anthony Scultore
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Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov has been suspended two games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Wednesday for a knee-on-knee collision with Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers.
Ehlers was forced to leave the game, needing help off the ice. No penalty was called on Orlov, drawing the ire of Ehlers and the Jets.
The incident took place late in the third period. Ehlers’ knee was prone as Orlov skated in and led with his own knee into Ehlers’, dropping the forward. The Caps won the game 4-3 in overtime.
Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, he forfeits $51,000 to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Ehlers, 25, is tied for third on the Jets with 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists).
Orlov, 30, has 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) and 32 penalty minutes in 38 games. He had a goal and an assist against the Jets and served a two-minute minor for slashing earlier in the game.
“He will be evaluated,” Jets interim coach Dave Lowry said. “But I can tell you he will not be available this weekend.”
–Field Level Media contributed to this article