Penguins' Kris Letang: Suspended for one game

Letang has been suspended for Game 4 on Wednesday against Washington.

Analysis:

After a late hit on Marcus Johansson that was very similar to the Brooks Orpik hit on Oli Maatta in Game 2, there was little chance the NHL Department of Player Safety was going to let Letang off without subsequent discipline. While not unexpected, the absence of the 29-year-old will deplete the Penguins blue line, especially when you factor in his production on the power play. The defenseman tallied five goals and 22 assists on the man advantage during the regular season and has added a pair of helpers during the playoffs. Unless Maatta can return, look for Justin Schultz to slot into the spot vacated by Letang.