Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik was placed on injured reserve after being taken off on a stretcher in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins.
Orpik was grabbed from behind by Bruins forward Shawn Thornton and shoved to the ice during a scrum with 8:54 remaining in the first period. Thornton knocked the veteran blueliner unconscious after punching him in the head while on the ice.
The 33-year-old was taken off the ice in a stretcher and transported to Massachusetts General Hospital. Earlier in the game, Orpik threw a heavy hit that concussed Bruins forward Loui Eriksson.
Orpik has one goal and six assists in 30 games this season. The Penguins recalled defenseman Brian Dumoulin from Wilkes-Barre Scranton of the AHL to take his place.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.