NHL playoffs: What you need to know for Sunday
Capitals' Orpik suspended 3 games for hit on Pens' Olli Maatta
The Stanley Cup playoffs are on. Each day, we'll keep you updated on the important news involving players, starting lineups, injuries and more. Check back throughout the day to stay in the know.
The Western Conference semifinals continue with Game 2 matchups today, as the Blues split the series with Dallas in early action, while the Predators look for even footing in their series against San Jose (8 p.m. ET, CBC, CBC Sports app).
Hit lands Orpik suspension
The NHL's Department of Player Safety has suspended Washington Capitals defenceman Brooks Orpik for his hit on Penguins defenceman Olli Maatta.
Washington’s Brooks Orpik will have a hearing today for interference on Pittsburgh’s Olli Maatta.
—@NHLPlayerSafetyMaatta had to be helped off the ice after suffering the blow in Saturday's game, which landed Orpik a two-minute minor penalty for interference.
"I thought it was a late hit," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "I thought it was a target to his head. I think it's the type of hit that everyone in hockey is trying to remove from the game."
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pens?src=hash">#pens</a> coach Sullivan says Maatta being evaluated today. When asked if Maatta might play Gm 3 Monday, Sullivan said "I'm not optimistic."
—@ZeisbergerEaves out, Nichushkin in
The Stars had a new face in the lineup for Game 2.
Patrick Eaves on crutches today with foot injury. Lindy Ruff says he is day to day. Said Val Nichushkin will play Game 2.
—@MikeHeikaPatrick Eaves suffered a lower-body injury when he took a shot off the skate from a teammate, setting up Valeri Nichushkin to make his first playoff appearance
With files from the Associated Press