More NHL: | | | | | In the initial aftermath of Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman getting taken off on a stretcher, a few replays were shown of what happened to just prior to going after Orpik.While Marchand was on all fours trying to regain his footing after getting tripped up, connected with the forwards head with his knee (replay at about the 1:54 mark of the video below).Based on the replays, its pretty hard to argue that it wasnt on purpose. Neal had more than enough time to alter his route to Jesus Tinoco Jersey get around Marchand, but instead even breaks his stride to glide through the felled Bruin. While in the glide, Neal makes direct contact with Marchands head, spinning the Boston winger on the ice. For a different angle:Marchand managed to stay in the game after receiving attention on the ice for a brief period right after the hit. Neal received a two-minute minor for kneeing. He ended up scoring the go-ahead goal soon after coming out of the penalty box.Its an incredibly dirty play on Neals part, though, and shows such a blatant disregard for Marchand. It will certainly draw the ire of the Department of Player Safety and should lead to a suspension.UPDATE:Neal's hearing has already been scheduled.James Neal will have a phone hearing Monday for kneeing incident. NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) Since it is a phone hearing, Neal's suspension can't exceed five games. It's a tad surprising that he won't have to plead his case in person.The league has taken a hardline stance on contact to the head and this certainly fits the bill. Neals case is helped that Marchand suffered no significant injury, but if the Department of Player Safety finds that Neal acted with malice, they should come down hard. Neal was suspended during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs for one game for a reckle s hit on of the .This is not an incident the NHL can take lightly as the -Bruins contest Saturday night gave Brendan Shanahan and company plenty to ponder. Yonny Chirinos Jersey