Capitals’ Orlov To Have Hearing With Player Safety For Knee Vs. Jets

The Washington Capitals could see their second player suspension of the 2021-22 campaign as Dmitry Orlov has a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Wednesday for his actions against Winnipeg.

Late in the third period of Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime win, Orlov was moving toward Nikolaj Ehlers in the offensive zone. As Ehlers passed the puck, Orlov had a knee-on-knee collision with the Jets star, sending Ehlers down to the ice. Ehlers was helped off by an athletic trainer and will miss at least the next game, per head coach Dave Lowry. There was no call on the play.

#ALLCAPS Awkward hit from Orlov on Nikolaj Ehlers. pic.twitter.com/qC9EiW6OJr

— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) January 19, 2022

Orlov has only been suspended once in his career, getting two games back in 2014 for boarding Brayden Schenn. Washington has seen just one other suspension this season. Back in September, Hershey blueliner Dylan McIlrath earned a four-game suspension (two preseason, two regular-season) for an illegal check to the head on Bruins forward Steven Fogarty.

READ MORE ON WHN: Takeaways From Capitals’ 4-3 Overtime Win Over Jets

It’s a tough spot for Washington, who is already missing John Carlson due to COVID-19. There are a number of left-hand shots who can fill in for No. 9 if need be, including Michal Kempny and Matt Irwin, but it’ll still leave a void on the top-4. And, with Washington still working its way back up the standings and trying to get out of a recent tough stretch, Orlov’s absence won’t go unnoticed.

In 38 games this season, the Russian blueliner has five goals and 19 points. He ranks second behind Carlson for the most ice time per game by a defenseman with 21:01 minutes.