In the calendar year of 2012, there had been only one Washington Capital regular who had gone without a penalty. That player? Dmitry Orlov.

That streak ended spectacularly tonight.

At 12:04 of the second period, Carolina’s Jeff Skinner sprinted with Orlov into the corner for a loose puck. As Dima attempted a counter check, the 193-pound Skinner gave a slewfoot to the young Russian, sending him slamming into the side boards.

Caps captain Alex Ovechkin came to his countryman’s defense, shoving Skinner as the two skated up ice. When the puck was frozen a few seconds later, Orlov started a melee and went after Skinner, but — fortunately for the young Hurricanes star — the two were separated by linesman Jean Morin.

Morin had his hand around Orlov’s neck, and Dima didn’t seem to like that too much. Angry and perhaps not understanding the linesman’s orders, Orlov shoved the linesman to get free. Dima was awarded 2 minutes for roughing and a 10-minute game misconduct for “abusing the officials.”

Skinner did not receive a penalty for his slewfoot.

So what did we learn tonight? Don’t faulk with Orlov.

Huge thanks to @KellieCowan for hooking us up with video and Fedor Fedin for the above screenshot.