Bruins Shawn Thornton Suspended for 15 Games

((ht: cbssports.com))

It appears a  cheap shot by Shawn Thornton of the Boston Bruins, late this past Saturday, on Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins, will according to TSN's Darren Dreger, cost Thornton 15 days.

The incident happened after Orpik had knocked down and apparently injured the Bruins Loui Eriksson. A bit of a scrum ensued. That's when Thornton skated over, grabbed Orpik, throwing him to the ice and punching him.

Orpik was knocked unconscious and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher and to the hospital. Saturday morning Orpik was put on Injured Reserve with a concussion.

Here's some video of the Thornton/Orpik incident:

Orpik Ambushed By Thornton, In And Out Of Hospital

((HT: NESN))

The short version...

The Penguins Brooks Orpik hit the Bruins Loui Eriksson on the first shift in the game Saturday night. He was diagnosed with a concussion and didn't return to the game.

After Eriksson left, Shawn Thornton wanted a piece of Orpik- who didn't budge...

Then Brad Marchand was prone on the ice and all hell broke loose...

Here's the incident...


Thornton immediately fell on the sword:

"I feel awful. It wasn't my intention," Thornton said postgame. "I know Brooksy and have gotten to know him over the last seven years. I skated with him in the summer, through the lockout and texted him a couple of times. I feel awful. It's definitely not what I want anyone to see.

"... It's always my job, I guess, to defend my teammates. But I prided myself for a long time to stay within the lines. It's hard for me to talk about right now. I can't say 'I'm sorry' enough."

Thornton does have a call with the league office and it will interesting to see just how much of a penalty he gets from the guy who doles out the punishments, Brendan Shanahan.

Orpik was released from hospital and traveled with the team as they left town...