Brooks Orpik did not finish Game Three after a massive counter-hit from Vegas forward James Neal.
The hit was devastating. Midway through the second period, Neal raced towards the boards with Orpik behind him. Neal slowed and threw backwards into Orpik.
Following the hit, Orpik appeared dazed. He gestured to his head indicating that’s where contact occurred.
Orpik played three shifts in the third period, the last one lasting eight seconds. He did not play in the final 12 minutes of the game.
After the game, the Caps told WaPo reporter Isabelle Khurshudyan that Orpik is “getting treatment.” It’s unclear, but this may refer to the NHL’s concussion protocol.
Update, 11:54 PM: Barry Trotz chime in.
