Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk was suspended two games without pay Sunday by the National Hockey League for a charging violation in a 4-2 loss Saturday at Los Angeles.
The punishment came for slamming into Kings defenseman Kevin Gravel at 15:57 of the third period, for which Shattenkirk incurred a minor penalty.
Shattenkirk will forfeit $47,222 and miss NHL wins leader Washington’s games Sunday at Anaheim and Tuesday at home against Western Conference leader Minnesota.
The 28-year-old American was a member of the United States team that finished fourth at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
After starting his NHL career with Colorado, Shattenkirk played from 2011 until last month with St. Louis, which traded him to the Capitals.
Washington, seeking a first-ever Stanley Cup playoff title, leads the NHL with 44 wins and 95 points from 67 games.
Minnesota ranks second overall with 43 wins and 92 points off 67 games, so their matchup could be crucial in the fight for an overall home-ice playoff edge.
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