The Washington Capitals have voiced their displeasure with Nicklas Backstrom's suspension.

Washington's top center was forced out of Game 4 after the NHL concluded that his cross-check on Rich Peverley at the end of Game 3 was "excessive and reckless."

The Capitals' full statement about the suspension follows:

We disagree with the NHL's decision to suspend Nicklas Backstrom. This has been a competitive and physical series, and we do not understand why a suspension was imposed in this case while other incidents in this series have not been reviewed. Our singular focus now is on Game 4, and we look forward to the energy that our great fans provide.

The Bruins used aggressive, forceful play in Game 2 to seize command of the series with a road win which gave Boston a 2-1 series lead.

But coach Claude Julien denied that the Bruins crossed the line from aggressive to dirty.

"Being accused of head-hunting is ludicrous," he said, according to CSNNE reporter Joe Haggerty.

For everything Bruins related, check out Stanley Cup Of Chowder. For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, head to Japers' Rink. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs begin.