Washington Capitals' captain, Alex Ovechkin, was given a three-game suspension for his hit on Zbynek Michalek. (MARTIN CHEVALIER/QMI Agency)
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin couldn't avoid the wrath of NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan.
Ovechkin was suspended for three games Monday for leaving his feet to hit Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Zbynek Michalek Sunday. He wasn't penalized on the play but Shanahan still decided to sit him for three games, the third time in Ovechkin's career that he's been suspended.
"Ovechkin has Michalek lined up for what should be a clean and hard body check," Shanahan said in explaining his decision. "However, he launches himself to deliver the hit on Michalek. Although Michalek's shoulder might be the initial point of contact for this hit, the act of launching causes him to contact Michalek's head."
Michalek had a hearing of his own with Shanahan Monday for his elbow to the head of Capitals forward Matt Hendricks in the same game.
Shanahan ruled that Michalek would not be punished further. He received a minor penalty on the play and Hendricks was not hurt.
