On Monday night in Pebble Beach, Calif., at the NHL general manager meetings, Pens GM Ray Shero had this to say, via Twitter: Shero said Orpik doesn't remember anything that happened after the anthem Saturday night. He's doing OK, resting, has headaches, neck ache.

Initially, that didn't quite jibe with with what Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said on Monday morning, which was this: "I've seen (Orpik) yesterday and today. He's going quite well. He's up (and) moving around just fine."

After Pittsburgh's 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, Bylsma said "quite well" was relative.

"We saw Brooks after the game on the plane. I've seen Brooks since. He left the game on a stretcher in a pretty scary state, so 'quite well' means he's up and around."

"Again, I will reiterate: He was out for a considerable period of time, which means you have a concussion."

Bylsma also, for what it's worth, confirmed Shero's account: "(Sunday, Orpik) definitely had soreness because of the situation in the neck and back, and he had a headache (and) pressure."

Thornton will have an in-person hearing later this week, which means a suspension of at least six games, and potentially much more.

And as for the other takeaway from the Bruins-Pens disaster—James Neal's garbage knee to Brad Marchand's head and subsequent five-game suspension—Bylsma said he understood the league's ruling.

"I don't think there's any question that James continued on his path and runs into Marchand," Bylsma said.


REPORT: SALARY CAP ABOUT $71 MILLION


It will take one year for the NHL salary cap to surpass its pre-lockout level.

General managers on Monday received the cap projection for the 2014-15 season, and it's upwards of $71 million, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

That's up about $7 million from this season — the '13-14 number dropped because of revenue lost during the lockout — and also ahead of the $70.2 million (prorated) for 2012-13. What a difference a year makes.

The expectation is for the number to continue its rise; next season's figure doesn't yet work in the league's new Canadian TV deal, which adds about $500 million in total revenue per season. That deal, not coincidentally, was also approved on Monday.

Another factor to consider: expansion, which the league is in a better position to pull off, as noted by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Willis. After all, that's free money. Everyone likes free money.

Dion Phaneuf, Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek are a few high-profile players without contracts for next year, by the way. At the moment, the Chicago Blackhawks have the smallest about of projected space (about $6.5 million, per Capgeek) and the Buffalo Sabres the largest (about $42 million).

Contributor: Sean Gentille