added 10:19pm,

No excuse for what Shawn Thornton did there. Looked to me like he completely lost it after couple borderline hits from Penguins. Cant happen

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 8, 2013

via NHL.com,

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik was taken off the ice on a stretcher in the first period against the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

With play stopped, Orpik and Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton were in a confrontation, and Orpik remained injured on the ice.

Penguins players immediately called for medical assistance.

Thornton and Orpik became involed after Bruins forward Brad Marchand, while on the ice, took a knee to the head from Penguins forward James Neal.

Thornton was assessed a match penalty; he appeared to pull Orpik down and punch him while he was on the ice.

Neal was assessed a two-minute penalty for kneeing.

Bruins forward Loui Eriksson left the game after his first shift following a hit from Orpik.

Watch the incident below... added 8:36pm, both Boston and Pittsburgh broadcasts can be viewed below...

added 8:40pm, Orpik hit on Eriksson added below too...