Penguins D Deryk Engelland ejected for hit to head against Red Wings F Justin Abdelkader

DETROIT - Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Deryk Engelland has been ejected from a game against the Detroit Red Wings because of an illegal hit to the head.

Engelland landed his right shoulder high on Detroit forward Justin Abdelkader late in the first period Saturday night. After Abdelkader struggled to get up and had to be helped off the ice, Engelland was called for a match penalty.

Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton was suspended earlier in the day for 15 games by the NHL for punching and injuring Pittsburgh defenceman Brooks Orpik.

Thornton went after Orpik during a stoppage in play Dec. 7, knocking him down to the ice and punching him twice. Orpik sustained a concussion and was taken off the ice on a stretcher and hasn't played since that game.