Engelland Suspended Five Games; No Punishment For Bortuzzo

Nov 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland (5) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins’ defenseman Deryk Engelland was reportedly suspended five games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, for his hit on Red Wings’ forward Justin Abdelkader last Saturday – according to NHL.com.

Engelland will also serve the suspension without pay.

Abdelkader was hit in the head by Engelland with 30 seconds left in the first period, and needed to be helped off the ice. Engelland received a match penalty, and Abdelkader was later diagnosed with a concussion.

Meanwhile, according to Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pens’ defenseman Robert Bortuzzo will not be punished for his hard check on Leafs’ forward Jerry D’Amigo during Monday’s contest.

With 9:43 left in the third period, Bortuzzo absolutely leveled D’Amigo in the neutral zone, but seemed to only appear dirty due to the height difference between the two.

Bortuzzo will more than likely be in tonight’s lineup against the New York Rangers.