WASHINGTON - Washington Capitals defenceman Brooks Orpik has been suspended three games for his late hit to the head of Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Olli Maatta.

Orpik will miss Game 3 Monday, Game 4 Wednesday and Game 5 Saturday. He'd be eligible to return if the series gets to Game 6 on May 10.

Orpik hit Maatta in the head after the puck was gone four minutes into Game 2 Saturday and was given a two-minute minor penalty for interference. After a hearing with the NHL's department of player safety, the punishment was far more severe.

Maatta left the game and did not return. Coach Mike Sullivan said the team would probably have an update on Maatta's status Monday.