-After the play
-Letang had just gotten rid of the puck, and was "admiring" his pass prone to the boards and was hit one second later by Rinaldo.
In slow motion it looks like the hit came 3 seconds after Letang got rid of the puck, making it look late,
but in real time, I wouldn't consider it to be a late hit so much as just Rinaldo finishing his check. It is more or less routine for players
to finish checks within a second or two of their target moving the puck. So, I don't think this hit was "late".

-From behind straight into the numbers
-Looks to me like he hit his right shoulder/rear armpit area...not sure he even hit one of Letang's numbers, let alone two.

-Offender left his feet
-Though Rinaldo's right skate appears to be up in the air on impact, I don't see evidence that he purposefully left his feet to "launch" himself
like a missile into Letang. It's pretty difficult (not impossible) to make a big hit and have both skates fixed to the ice surface throughout impact. I've seen many times where skates come up off the ice upon impact, and many times, it's not because the player was lifting them off the ice to launch himself, but rather because it was just the byproduct (of the biomechanics/biophysics) of making that sort of hit.


-Player was injured and did not return
I'm not so sure how injured Letang was. It looked like he sold it a bit to me...he almost played tonight. Just sayin'

edit: regarding his postgame comments, I think when you watch the interview and put it into context, Rinaldo was just being honest, if a bit irreverent. And I didn't hear any "jokes", despite the media headlines.

Look, I'm not a big fan of Rinaldo, and think he's a net negative as far as value to the team, but after further review, many seem to be making a mountain out of a molehill in this particular case.
- exlund

The NHL obviously disagrees, as do I.

The hit was late, Rinaldo's shoulder clearly makes contact with the right side of Letang's back-right on the number 8- so it's from behind and into the wall, and with force enough to slam his head into the glass.

Was it as bad as some other hits? No, certainly not. Had Chris VandeVelde delivered the hit, it's still 5 and a game and he probably gets suspended for 2-3 games.

As Rinaldo joking about it, he certainly did chuckle and deliver the "I changed the game" line. I'm admittedly biased against Rinaldo, but not so much that I need to make anything up. It's a guy with a bad history, continuing to do dumb and reckless things. Which is the larger issue to me.

The reality: Zac Rinaldo is getting suspended for at least five games

You wanting to believe that it shouldn't happen is the epitome of a person seeing what you want to see

Because, again: Zac Rinaldo is getting suspended for at least five games
- AllInForFlyers

Did you read Kerry Fraser's explanation of the hit that I posted? That is an experienced NHL referee that also has the benefit of replay to look at the hit. He has an expert knowledge of the rules of the game, combined with his experience. He isn't going to get it wrong with the benefit of replay.

really? did you time it? cause i did and its less than a second late
- JoeRussomanno

Come on dude, Rinaldo could see the numbers from the slot all the way until he hit him and jumped into it instead of letting up. To claim anything else just makes you look as bad as pens fans defending downies cheap shots. I don't know how stupid a player is if they look at the numbers from halfway across the ice and can't decide it's a bad idea by the time they make the hit. Don't make yourself look that bad.

I agree with you on some things, but I'm baffled at how you're defending a player who is about to get a lengthy suspension from the league.

The league looks at these things and can rescind the match penalty if they feel it is warranted. They have done that numerous times in the past.

There's nothing about that hit that was clean or should be in the game. And he's getting a lengthy suspension for just that reason.
- AllInForFlyers

im baffled at how you guys can sit there and dispute reality
A both his feet did not leave the ice until after the impact

B it was less than a second afterletang touched the puck unless the game clock on the screen is slow

C he visibly changes his course to hit letang in the shoulder NOT the back

D letang was not completely turned away rather, his body was bladed

E he's not even hurt that bad i doubt he missesa game.

Kill shot from Erik Karlsson; Leafs done like dinner

The below is Kerry Fraser's description of the hit.

http://www.tsn.ca/c-mon-r...s-flyers-rivalry-1.188321


The evidence that must be considered is that the illegal hit was very late (Letang did not have the puck), Letang was facing the boards in a defenceless position, Rinaldo elevated and left his feet through the illegal hit, the contact was made to the back of Letang and resulted in injury to the Pittsburgh player (Letang did not return to the game). This is boarding and the correct call was made on the ice by the referee to assess a major and game misconduct penalty.
- MJL

I agree that it was a boarding major. And I'm sure he'll get a moderately severe suspension. I just have multiple points of contention with the take many others seem to have on the incident,

such as it being late.

If you look at it:

https://www.youtube.com/w...r2UlQZxI&x-yt-cl=84359240

Rinaldo finishes his check just one second after Letang got rid of the puck. One second. You see guys finish their checks within a second or even two of the puck being moved all the time. It's like Rinaldo said in the interview, when you dissect everything in slow motion, it distorts reality...the hit looks three seconds later than it was, and it looks like he's off his feet for three times as long as he was, etc.

If you stick to the real time video of it, Rinaldo's hit was made no later (after the target moved the puck) than hits made (and allowed) many, many times a night across the NHL. That said, the fact that the puck was in fact moved just before the play should be considered in this case... but in the end it's a judgement call as to whether one chooses to see that as Rinaldo having had time to avoid the check, or that, since the impact happened just one second after Letang got rid of it, the check couldn't be avoided, so, in that aspect, it was legal and thus not a compounding circumstance.

I find it not at all suprising that there are more than a few people in this space trying to systematically explain away the Rinaldo hit last night. Plays like this and employing morons like Rinaldo is part of the Flyers DNA, as is the fact that Rinaldo seemed quite unconcerned if not proud about what he did. flyer fans can protest when their team gets labelled as dirty, yet here we are again. There are also penty of folks here who see the hit for what it was, thanks for that. Have a nice night.

Thing is... Who actually wants Phanuef or Kessel? Both are headcases. All they can do is move supporting peices.
- hereticpride

for real! i'm not bashing the TML i legit feel bad for their fans. kessel and phaneuf are TWO players that play crucial positions that I would NOT want anchoring my team. only way it gets worse is if you have bryz in net. that would be a hell of a trifecta.

I agree that it was a boarding major. And I'm sure he'll get a moderately severe suspension. I just have multiple points of contention with the take many others seem to have on the incident,

such as it being late.

If you look at it:

https://www.youtube.com/w...r2UlQZxI&x-yt-cl=84359240

Rinaldo finishes his check just one second after Letang got rid of the puck. One second. You see guys finish their checks within a second or even two of the puck being moved all the time. It's like Rinaldo said in the interview, when you dissect everything in slow motion, it distorts reality...the hit looks three seconds later than it was, and it looks like he's off his feet for three times as long as he was, etc.

If you stick to the real time video of it, Rinaldo's hit was made no later (after the target moved the puck) than hits made (and allowed) many, many times a night across the NHL. That said, the fact that the puck was in fact moved just before the play should be considered in this case... but in the end it's a judgement call as to whether one chooses to see that as Rinaldo having had time to avoid the check, or that, since the impact happened just one second after Letang got rid of it, the check couldn't be avoided, so, in that aspect, it was legal and thus not a compounding circumstance.
- exlund

The hit was blatantly late, the puck was long gone.

Come on dude, Rinaldo could see the numbers from the slot all the way until he hit him and jumped into it instead of letting up. To claim anything else just makes you look as bad as pens fans defending downies cheap shots. I don't know how stupid a player is if they look at the numbers from halfway across the ice and can't decide it's a bad idea by the time they make the hit. Don't make yourself look that bad.
- Isles_since_6

listen idgaf what you think i look like, the way i see it, its a physical game, either put skirts on them or shut up

I find it not at all suprising that there are more than a few people in this space trying to systematically explain away the Rinaldo hit last night. Plays like this and employing morons like Rinaldo is part of the Flyers DNA, as is the fact that Rinaldo seemed quite unconcerned if not proud about what he did. flyer fans can protest when their team gets labelled as dirty, yet here we are again. There are also penty of folks here who see the hit for what it was, thanks for that. Have a nice night.
- Emperor Filonius

i am not saying it's right or smart etc. but does anyone else think that berube sees a bit of himself in rinaldo? gives him ice time, doesn't really get punished, hell he was on the 3rd line! maybe berube is flawed in thinking that his type of play is still warranted in this league.

i dont hate rinaldo, i think he is an excellent extra skater, not sure if i consider him a lock to play every night- i know this team lack physicality and he brings it but he also brings a spoonful of stupid. he would be the perfect cote/rosehill type but he gets tons of hate because he plays regularly.

maybe he gets so much leash because of who is holding the other end..

I find it not at all suprising that there are more than a few people in this space trying to systematically explain away the Rinaldo hit last night. Plays like this and employing morons like Rinaldo is part of the Flyers DNA, as is the fact that Rinaldo seemed quite unconcerned if not proud about what he did. flyer fans can protest when their team gets labelled as dirty, yet here we are again. There are also penty of folks here who see the hit for what it was, thanks for that. Have a nice night.
- Emperor Filonius

oh i wont protest being labeled dirty and I actually facepalm when flyer fans act like we didnt earn that rep ... but just make sure you and your band of jelly spine unflying birds do the same, mkay?

I find it not at all suprising that there are more than a few people in this space trying to systematically explain away the Rinaldo hit last night. Plays like this and employing morons like Rinaldo is part of the Flyers DNA, as is the fact that Rinaldo seemed quite unconcerned if not proud about what he did. flyer fans can protest when their team gets labelled as dirty, yet here we are again. There are also penty of folks here who see the hit for what it was, thanks for that. Have a nice night.
- Emperor Filonius

Since January 1st, 2010, The Flyers have had 10 players suspended for a total of 23 games. In the same time frame, the Penguins have had 13 players suspended for a total of 50.

Feel free to throw rocks, but that glass house of yours is going to be awfully chilly when you get done.

I'm not condoning what Rinaldo did, I've shredded him for it since last night and I've also blamed the Flyers for continuing to use him. But to hear Penguins fans and media act so sanctimoniously is a bit ridiculous.

A Penguins' fan, complaining about the Flyers goon tactics is like a Catholic priest complaining about pedophiles

listen idgaf what you think i look like, the way i see it, its a physical game, either put skirts on them or shut up
- JoeRussomanno

What would you think if a defenseman clothes lined a forward coming across the blueline? Good play or bad play?

The hit was blatantly late, the puck was long gone.
- MJL

definition of long gone go!

Did you read Kerry Fraser's explanation of the hit that I posted? That is an experienced NHL referee that also has the benefit of replay to look at the hit. He has an expert knowledge of the rules of the game, combined with his experience. He isn't going to get it wrong with the benefit of replay.
- MJL

I did read that, and it's exactly what I saw and what happened -- I can't believe we're talking about one second, like that's a mitigating factor.

Rinaldo committed to hitting a player, from behind, who didn't have the puck. It's that simple. That player -- who isn't in the lineup tonight, by the way -- had moved the puck. It's not even debatable.

Anyone saying Rinaldo only hit him one second late -- JFC. Letang had the puck on his stick for, what, a tenth of a second? Not even that?

Letang's back was to the play, Rinaldo jumped. JFC. He's getting five, and it should be more

What would you think if a defenseman clothes lined a forward coming across the blueline? Good play or bad play?
- MJL

thats my kinda party!

thats my kinda party!
- JoeRussomanno

Is that a good play or a bad play? Should it be a penalty?

I did read that, and it's exactly what I saw and what happened -- I can't believe we're talking about one second, like that's a mitigating factor.

Rinaldo committed to hitting a player, from behind, who didn't have the puck. It's that simple. That player -- who isn't in the lineup tonight, by the way -- had moved the puck. It's not even debatable.

Anyone saying Rinaldo only hit him one second late -- JFC. Letang had the puck on his stick for, what, a tenth of a second? Not even that?

Letang's back was to the play, Rinaldo jumped. JFC. He's getting five, and it should be more
- AllInForFlyers

its snowing outside wanna argue that fact too? or do you wanna swallow your bias and go look at the film?

I did read that, and it's exactly what I saw and what happened -- I can't believe we're talking about one second, like that's a mitigating factor.

Rinaldo committed to hitting a player, from behind, who didn't have the puck. It's that simple. That player -- who isn't in the lineup tonight, by the way -- had moved the puck. It's not even debatable.

Anyone saying Rinaldo only hit him one second late -- JFC. Letang had the puck on his stick for, what, a tenth of a second? Not even that?

Letang's back was to the play, Rinaldo jumped. JFC. He's getting five, and it should be more
- AllInForFlyers

Well so far the defense of Rinaldo jumps from Old Time Hockey to bringing up James Neal to saying he needs to defend himself. Seems like a bit of trolling, which is why I more or less stopped replying directly to it.

If it's actually serious it's dumb.

Is that a good play or a bad play? Should it be a penalty?
- MJL

by the rules it prolly is a penalty, imo it should not be.

its snowing outside wanna argue that fact too? or do you wanna swallow your bias and go look at the film?
- JoeRussomanno

You heard of YouTube? It's up, been up, for your viewing pleasure. Including the jump

Well so far the defense of Rinaldo jumps from Old Time Hockey to bringing up James Neal to saying he needs to defend himself. Seems like a bit of trolling, which is why I more or less stopped replying directly to it.

If it's actually serious it's dumb.
- Jsaquella

u skipped over where reality contradicts your self admitted bias opinion.

I did read that, and it's exactly what I saw and what happened -- I can't believe we're talking about one second, like that's a mitigating factor.

Rinaldo committed to hitting a player, from behind, who didn't have the puck. It's that simple. That player -- who isn't in the lineup tonight, by the way -- had moved the puck. It's not even debatable.

Anyone saying Rinaldo only hit him one second late -- JFC. Letang had the puck on his stick for, what, a tenth of a second? Not even that?

Letang's back was to the play, Rinaldo jumped. JFC. He's getting five, and it should be more
- AllInForFlyers

Here's the situation. If a hit is clean but a little late, a lot of times the refs will overlook that and let it go. No damage done. When a hit is not only late, but from behind, and a players head bounces off the glass due to the force of the hit, not going to be let go. That is was late is only one factor and can't be isolated to look at that factor individually, and say, they let late clean hits go at times. Just not how it works.

listen idgaf what you think i look like, the way i see it, its a physical game, either put skirts on them or shut up
- JoeRussomanno

It's not tough to hit someone in the back late, it's pretty damn cowardly. The guy wiling to take a hit to make a play is infinitely tougher than some POS who hits them late and from behind.