Penguins' Kris Letang will have a hearing for collision with Marcus Johansson

PITTSBURGH — The NHL has scheduled a hearing today with Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang to explain his rationale for a dangerous check he laid against Washington Capitals forward Marcus Johansson in the first period of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal

Based on the replay, it seems as if Letang should have known Johansson was vulnerable when he launched upward into the check. That would seem to be enough to earn him a suspension, although the department of player safety looks at a variety of factors before rendering a decision. He was given an interference minor penalty on the play.

After the game, Letang said it was a split-second decision based on his belief he needed to prevent Johansson from going to the net.

The Capitals, who lost defenseman Brooks Orpik to a three-game suspension for his high hit (interference) in Game 2, believe that Letang should face a similar penalty.

Washington coach Barry Trotz accused the NHL of giving the Penguins preferential treatment on that decision.

One major difference between the two hits is that Orpik’s hit caused an injury to Olli Maatta that kept him out of Game 3. Johansson was able to return after he passed concussion protocol screening. Usually, the health of the victim plays a role in the decision process.

Letang has been critical to the Penguins building a 2-1 series lead. He has played more than 97 minutes in the first three games and generated 11 shots on goal.