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Penguins Suspensions: Craig Adams First To Miss Game 4

Given the Penguins' blatantly dirty play in game 3 of their series against the Flyers, the expectation is that at least a couple of them will be suspended as a result. The first to be officially ruled out of game 4 is Craig Adams, who attacked Scott Hartnell from behind in the waning moments of the game and drew and instigator penalty for it.

An instigator penalty draws an automatic one game suspension if it is upheld. Adams' penalty was confirmed, which means he's out for game 4 and Pens coach Dan Bylsma has been hit with a $10,000 fine.

The Pens could also be without Aaron Asham and James Neal as both of those players will have hearings with the NHL tomorrow.

Pittsburgh forward James Neal will have hearings on Tuesday with the Department of Player Safety for two separate incidents in Sunday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series against the Philadelphia Flyers. Also, Pittsburgh forward Arron Asham has been offered an in-person hearing Tuesday morning for his match penalty for cross-checking Brayden Schenn at 14:15 of the first period. Asham received a match penalty on the hit. Neal's hearings focus on the hit against Sean Couturier in the third period, as well as the charging penalty he received for a hit on Claude Giroux later in the period. Neal was not penalized on the Couturier hit.

Usually in person hearings are reserved for the worst offenders and come with the big suspensions, so Asham is very likely done for the series. That said, Asham isn't really a loss for the Pens. James Neal would be.

Neal has been summoned to NHL headquarters, but he will have to answer for two separate incidents. Given that he's a key player and its the playoffs, you could see how the NHL might try to weasel out of disciplining him for one, but its hard to see how he gets off scot free for two illegal hits in as many shifts.