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Capitals believe Letang should receive similar punishment to Orpik

Justin K. Aller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Following his team's Game 3 loss, Washington Capitals forward Marcus Johansson told reporters his neck was sore from whiplash suffered after a first-period hit by Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, but that he is OK after finishing the night with over 17 minutes of ice time.

Related: Watch: Capitals' Johansson helped off ice after late hit by Letang

Despite not being injured, Johansson told reporters postgame that he believes Letang should face discipline from the league.

"A hit in the head, he left his feet," forward Nicklas Backstrom described to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "Brooks Orpik got 3 games. We'll see what this is."

Orpik was suspended three games for his hit on Olli Maatta in Game 2, and the majority of Capitals players compared their teammate's hit to Letang's collision Monday.

Although Johansson said he was hit in the head, Letang - admitting he hadn't yet seen the play - wasn't sure if that was the case.

Unsurprisingly, the league's Department of Player Safety is already reviewing the play, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen.

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