Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has defended a brutal hit on New York rangers defenseman Daniel Girardi, the NHL website reported.
The players came together the second period of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Saturday that finished 3-2 to Ovechkin's Capitals and leveled the series at 2-2.
Girardi lost control of the puck in front of his own goal before the Russian steamed in, skated the puck, and rammed into the Canadian with his shoulder.
It was not clear whether the first point of contact was Girardi's shoulder or his head, or whether both of Ovechkin's skates had left the ice when contact was made.
Both matters are crucial when it comes to any disciplinary action against Ovechkin.
"I just missed the puck," Ovechkin was quoted as saying. "I tried to kick the puck and I saw he was coming, so I just got to protect myself."
When asked if he hit Girardi's head, Ovechkin said, "In the head? No, I think it was the shoulder."
Girardi continued playing but afterward had no doubts about the incident.
"He hit me in the head first," Girardi said.
"I think it was the right call. I'm not sure what it was, whether it was charging or interference or whatever, but my head's there, and he hits it. But I think he was just playing the game hard. I don't know."
Ovechkin, 26, is a 230-pound, 6 foot 3 inch left wing who has never had any qualms about his physical game.
He has suffered suspensions for illegal hits twice during his seven-year NHL career.
He got a two-game ban for sending Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell into the boards in March 2010, and a three-game suspension for a hit on Zbynek Michalek of Pittsburgh in January.
