Capitals believe Letang should receive similar punishment to Orpik
Following his team's Game 3 loss, Washington Capitals forward Marcus Johansson told reporters his neck was sore from whiplash suffered after a first-period hit by Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, but that he is OK after finishing the night with over 17 minutes of ice time.
Related: Watch: Capitals' Johansson helped off ice after late hit by Letang
Despite not being injured, Johansson told reporters postgame that he believes Letang should face discipline from the league.
Marcus Johansson says he watched Letang hit after game. Feels it was blindside head hit that deserves a suspension.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) May 3, 2016
"A hit in the head, he left his feet," forward Nicklas Backstrom described to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "Brooks Orpik got 3 games. We'll see what this is."
Orpik was suspended three games for his hit on Olli Maatta in Game 2, and the majority of Capitals players compared their teammate's hit to Letang's collision Monday.
Although Johansson said he was hit in the head, Letang - admitting he hadn't yet seen the play - wasn't sure if that was the case.
#penguins Kris Letang on Marcus Johansson hit. "I tried to step up." didn't know if he hits his head, to fast. Didn't see the replay.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 3, 2016
Unsurprisingly, the league's Department of Player Safety is already reviewing the play, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen.
HEADLINES
- Steelers' Pickens blames loss on conditions: Browns aren't good 'at all'
- Garrett says he's DPOY over Watt after 3 sacks vs. Steelers: 'I'm No. 1'
- Browns stun Steelers in snowy conditions on TNF
- Raptors' Barnes returns in win vs. T-Wolves after 11-game absence
- Bruins blank Utah to win Sacco's debut as coach