NEW YORK (AP) Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton was suspended for 15 games without pay by the NHL on Saturday for punching and injuring unsuspecting Pittsburgh defenseman Brooks Orpik.
"It says volumes about getting that kind of play out of the game," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. "I think it's a pretty strong message."
Thornton went after Orpik during a stoppage in play on Dec. 7, knocking him to the ice and punching him twice. Orpik was concussed and taken off the ice on a stretcher. Earlier, Orpik hit Boston's Loui Eriksson, knocking him out of the game with a concussion.
Thornton was assessed a match penalty.
Orpik hasn't played since the game.