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Brooks Orpik News
The Capitals have signed Brooks Orpik to a five-year deal worth $27.5 million.

Orpik, 33, has spent his entire 12 year career with the Penguins but will be in Washington for the 2014-15 season. He is a strong stay-at-home defenseman who managed to post 13 points (2G / 11A) in 72 games last year. He also had a strong Olympics, but at $5.5 million annual cap-hit and all the injuries he's had in recent years, this is a risky signing.

Brooks Orpik
Orpik (lower-body) returned to the Penguins lineup on Wednesday, but only lasted one period.

Orpik missed the previous five games, but returned in game 4, but the return did not last long. He levelled Brad Richards on his first shift, but later in the period, Orpik initiated a hit against New York's Mats Zuccarello and his right knee buckled violently toward his left knee. He retired to the dressing room for the remainder of the game, leaving the Pens with only five D-men for the remaining 40 minutes. Expect him to sit on Friday with Robert Bortuzzo sliding back in.

Brooks Orpik
Orpik (lower-body) participated in the Penguins morning skate but head coach Dan Bylsma would not disclose his lineup for game 4.

Orpik has missed the late five games with the lower-body ailment, but may be back in the Pens lineup tonight. If he is able to play, we will not find out until pre-game warmups, and we expect Robert Bortuzzo to come out of the lineup. Orpik has one goal, one assist and plus-5 rating in four games this postseason.

Brooks Orpik
Orpik (lower-body) is doubtful for game 1 vs. the Rangers.

Orpik did not take part in the Penguins morning skate so it looks like he will miss his third straight game with a lower-body injury. Head coach Dan Bylsma did not disclose any lineup information, but from the looks of things, Robert Bortuzzo should be in for Orpik.

Brooks Orpik
Orpik (lower-body) did not take part in the Penguins' morning skate.

Orpik, who missed game 5, appears to be in danger of missing game 6 as well. He did not skate this morning, but was riding the stationary bike outside the Pens' locker room while the team was on the ice. If he can't go, expect Robert Bortuzzo to stay in the lineup alongside Rob Scuderi.

Brooks Orpik
Orpik (concussion) returns to the Penguins lineup tonight.

Orpik will play for the first time since December 7 when he was knocked unconscious by a Shawn Thornton sucker punch. He missed eight games with a concussion but will be back tonight when the Penguins are in Carolina. He will skate with Deryk Engelland.

Brooks Orpik
The Penguins have placed Brooks Orpik (head) on injured reserve.

Orpik was injured on Saturday when he was sucker punched by Bruins winger Shawn Thornton while laying prone on the ice. Orpik concussed Loui Eriksson on a hit earlier in the game and when things spiralled out of control after a James Neal knee, Thornton went right after Orpik. Thornton has been suspended indefinitely for the incident and Orpik will be out until at least next Saturday.

Brooks Orpik