Early in the first period, Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik hit Vladislav Namestnikov hard into the side boards. As Namestnikov received a pass, he turned towards the Caps bench and was railed head-first into the boards.

A melee ensued, and when Orpik got back to his feet he was bleeding from the nose. He had a message for Lightning players.

Go eff yourself.

I’m sure Jason Chimera was proud.

Orpik got a pair of two-minute minors for roughing and boarding. The Lightning’s Alex Killorn also got two minutes for roughing.

Despite Tampa’s outrage, the hit doesn’t seem likely to court supplemental discipline. Flippin’ the bird, on the other hand, might result in a fine.

Caps hockey. Catch the fever.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Lightning