Barry Trotz is disappointed with ‘inconsistent’ Brooks Orpik suspension

Brooks Orpik was suspended three games on Sunday by the National Hockey League for his hit to the head of Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta. Maatta was injured on the play and won’t be suiting up on Monday in Game 3 against the Capitals.

Orpik accepted the punishment, saying he made “a bad mistake” while even telling the NHL he thought it was fair.

It’s a surprise to see Orpik accept the punishment with class. The same can’t be said about Capitals head coach Barry Trotz. Trotz told Bill West of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, that he thought it was unfair to label Orpik as “a predator” and called the Pittsburgh media’s portrayal of his defenseman “a joke.” He went on to say he was disappointed by the length of suspension, and called it inconsistent with other suspension rulings.

It’s admirable Trotz is sticking up for his player, but the Orpik suspension was one of the few times the league got it right. Orpik is a repeat offender and the hit on Maatta was both stupid and dangerous. Honestly, three games might not be enough, especially considering Maatta will be sitting out of action.

Comparatively, I get what he’s saying. The league has whiffed plenty of times on suspensions including Pierre-Edouard Bellemare only getting one game for his hit on Dmitry Orlov . That doesn’t mean Orpik should be cut a break, however. The NHL needs to be more consistent with its rulings and hasn’t been. That needs to change. But, that doesn’t make what Orpik did any less punishable.

Ultimately, the Orpik punishment was bang on. That might make Trotz upset, but it’s completely justified. Trotz comments are just hot air.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com

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