Seth Rorabaugh‏@emptynetters
If Orpik's a dirty player based on a hit from seven seasons ago, Jonathan Cheechoo must still be considered an NHL-quality goal scorer.

So THIS is what having a ref is like...it actually makes the blog readable...who'd have thunk?

In other news, Even though Geno only needs one for 50, there's no way he's playing Saturday...right? I mean, that would be right up there with playing 5 forwards on the PP and leaving 58 on the bench...and Bylsma would never do that....oh...err..crap!
- Emperor Filonius

I was thinking about that myself. Geno will be campaigning hard to get out there but I hope he sits.

Didn't see the hit. Was it that bad?
- tangent_man

Stepan was coming to the Penguins blueline and Orpik had him lined up, Stepan chipped the puck past and attempted to step around Orpik and they went knee to knee. Orpik had a wide base as he was engaging in a hit, but it was still knee on knee. It's not like he pulled a Marchment or a Ulfy and stuck his knee out.

He definitely deserved the major, I wouldn't be shocked at either a suspension or not.

Pretty bad....yes. Hope Stepan is ok.
- madmike71

I'll have to look for it on the highlights shows.

EDIT - Thanks for the explanations, guys.

I'll have to look for it on the highlights shows.
- tangent_man

Madcap, if you are hanging around....congrats. Now take out the Rags

I was thinking about that myself. Geno will be campaigning hard to get out there but I hope he sits.
- canadianpenfan

I think Malkin plays limited minutes. No Sid, Letang or Neal. I do think orpik gets suspended probably that game and the first of the playoffs.

- canadianpenfan

Or I could have done a search.

Not sure it's suspension worthy.

I think Malkin plays limited minutes. No Sid, Letang or Neal. I do think orpik gets suspended probably that game and the first of the playoffs.
- madmike71

$2500 fine

Or I could have done a search.

Not sure it's suspension worthy.
- tangent_man

My biased opinion is that he didn't stick his knee out. He went for the body and missed and at that point you brace yourself or let him skate by. He made the right choice to me.

Or I could have done a search.

Not sure it's suspension worthy.
- tangent_man

Suspension? This is the Penguins...

We'll probably get an extra first round pick and a tv series out of this.

My biased opinion is that he didn't stick his knee out. He went for the body and missed and at that point you brace yourself or let him skate by. He made the right choice to me.
- lloyd095

Yeah, it looked like his leg was in that spot when Stepan made the move.

Suspension? This is the Penguins...

We'll probably get an extra first round pick and a tv series out of this.
- canadianpenfan

Yeah, it looked like his leg was in that spot when Stepan made the move.
- tangent_man

My only thing was the game was over and 4 minutes left with a 3 goal lead. There was no need to go for the big hit.

My only thing was the game was over and 4 minutes left with a 3 goal lead. There was no need to go for the big hit.
- lloyd095

Really?? You're setting me up here, I get it.

Madcap, if you are hanging around....congrats. Now take out the Rags
- ryman1566

Thanks ! Not sure the goalie tandem of Holtby/Sabourin will be able to get it done, though. If Vokoun is suddenly healthy, we've got a shot.

Really?? You're setting me up here, I get it.
- tangent_man

This isn't Tangent's first time through the Cheese steak line...

My only thing was the game was over and 4 minutes left with a 3 goal lead. There was no need to go for the big hit.
- lloyd095

And this is different than us defending Vitale laying a big hit late in a 3 goal game how? This is the big leagues, you better be playing to the horn. I don't like that the knees collided but you can't fault Orpik for tyring to lay a hit on a potential playoff foe just because it was late in the game.

My biased opinion is that he didn't stick his knee out. He went for the body and missed and at that point you brace yourself or let him skate by. He made the right choice to me.
- lloyd095

Ovechkin on Gonchar 2009 ?

Thanks ! Not sure the goalie tandem of Holtby/Sabourin will be able to get it done, though. If Vokoun is suddenly healthy, we've got a shot.
- MadCap2008

NHL Network was saying during Caps/FLA highlights that Vokoun's groin looks to be a playoff ending injury. That accurate?

Really?? You're setting me up here, I get it.
- tangent_man

HAHA... I was waiting for you to say it. Completely different game. That game was intense while this game was just trying to get the season over with.

This isn't Tangent's first time through the Cheese steak line...
- Emperor Filonius

Yeah, I've stumbled through one or two.

And this is different than us defending Vitale laying a big hit late in a 3 goal game how? This is the big leagues, you better be playing to the horn. I don't like that the knees collided but you can't fault Orpik for tyring to lay a hit on a potential playoff foe just because it was late in the game.
- canadianpenfan

Flyers had it coming. I have no real problem with the hit but it wasn't like a cheap shot after every whistle either.

HAHA... I was waiting for you to say it. Completely different game. That game was intense while this game was just trying to get the season over with.
- lloyd095

That hit on Briere was clean and hard, as it should be in a late season game between two teams poised to meet in the first round.

And please, by all means just try to 'get the season over with' on Saturday.