Kevin Shattenkirk Suspended 2 Games for Charging Kevin Gravel

The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Sunday that Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk received a two-game suspension for charging Los Angeles Kings defenseman Kevin Gravel during the Capitals' 4-2 loss Saturday night.

Shattenkirk wasn't on the ice for Washington's 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday and will be out Tuesday night against the Minnesota Wild.

The AP's Stephen Whyno reported the 28-year-old was also docked $47,222.22 from his salary since he's a first-time offender.

The infraction came with a little over four minutes remaining in Saturday's game. Shattenkirk received a two-minute minor after he left his feet and checked Gravel behind the net.

Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski thought a suspension was likely for Shattenkirk:

Wyshynski also argued a five-game suspension wouldn't have been out of line if Shattenkirk had any previous run-ins with the NHL Department of Player Safety.

The Capitals made waves when they acquired the 2015 All-Star ahead of the trade deadline. Washington won its first three games after the deal but is riding a four-game losing streak entering Monday.

The team still sits atop the Metropolitan Division, so Shattenkirk's absence shouldn't have a significant impact on the standings. He'll need to be careful the rest of the way, though, to ensure he doesn't miss any more time through suspension.