Dave Isaac

@davegisaac

VOORHEES — When the Flyers begin their season in October, they will be without one of their top players for three games.

Brayden Schenn was suspended by the league Tuesday for his hit on Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie at 14:24 of the second period in a Game 6 loss on Sunday. Schenn had a phone hearing with the NHL's department of player safety Tuesday.

Washington coach Barry Trotz said he sent video clips to the league with some plays that he thought were questionable, including a cross-check from Schenn to the knees of Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.

"Well, I know they were obviously watching me close in that series," he said. "To be honest, I didn’t even know that I hit Oshie in the head. It wasn’t the initial point of contact. I did hit him in the shoulder first and then hit his head after."

The suspension from the league's inconsistent justice department is questionable considering Schenn wasn't penalized on the play, nor was he even credited with a hit from the off-ice officials.

"It is important to note that this is not a case where a player comes off the ice as a result of the force of the hit," the NHL said in its video explaining the hit as a charging penalty. "Schenn approaches Oshie as he pulls the puck out of the corner and both players are low and in athletic position. Oshie sees Schenn coming and braces himself for shoulder-to-shoulder contact. Rather than staying low and delivering a hit into Oshie's shoulder or chest, Schenn launches himself up and into Oshie, making substantial contact with Oshie's head."

Oshie left the game momentarily, but later returned for the 1-0 Capitals victory that sent them past the Flyers and onto a second-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Schenn was previously suspended by the league in January 2013 for one game for charging Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov and fined in December 2013 for cross-checking Kris Versteeg.

Dave Isaac; (856) 486-2479; disaac@gannettnj.com