That was a clean hit. Shouldn't even have gotten a penalty.

It's funny how the player safety video says the support the 5 minute charging call on the ice, but then clearly states and demonstrates through video that it is not charging.
- Allan Bester

How was it a clean hit given that the puck was well gone? Im amazed you dont even consider it interference.

Was it worth a suspension, I dont think so.
Was it clean, clearly not and that is visible on every replay of it.

How was it a clean hit given that the puck was well gone? Im amazed you dont even consider it interference.

Was it worth a suspension, I dont think so.
Was it clean, clearly not and that is visible on every replay of it.
- opeth_pa

Watch the NHL player safety review of the hit. Explains it all. Completely clean hit. Seans head hit Rinaldos shoulder from the recoil of the hit not the hit itself. If a player checks someone legally and they hit the ice with their head is that a head shot too?

With so few seconds left in the period the hit really wasn't necessary but nor was it illegal.

Player Safety video
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MbJNzPeVVRo

No. Anyone who thinks it was a dirty hit doesn't know hockey. Sean had his head down. First thing they teach you in hockey. Keep your head up. It was his fault.

The whole point of a check is to separate the player from the puck. The puck is gone prior to Rinaldo's arrival, mostly due to the check/pressure that the other Boston playing is putting on Couturier.
My biggest issue with this play is the game clock though, there's less than 2 seconds left in the period when this happens and based on where the puck is, there's no chance of a scoring opportunity. The check is absolutely needless at that point and does not belong in the game.
- RyKo17

to be fair most guys aren't eyeing the clock and have no actual idea of how much time is left... the call on the ice was probably sufficient. if that's mcquaid giving the hit instead of rinaldo were not even talking about this. it's too bad Couturier was hurt on the play for sure and I would imagine the next time boston and philly play rinaldo's going to get thumped up and down the ice, but you can't suspend a guy just because he's done some bad things in the past. I'm also pretty certain that he'll be the topic of discussion going forwards with another questionable hit in the near future.

kinda funny, this bum was a flyer fan favorite when he was dishing out his questionable hits for the flyers.....gets traded and then dishes it out to couture. karma...

kinda funny, this bum was a flyer fan favorite when he was dishing out his questionable hits for the flyers.....gets traded and then dishes it out to couture. karma...
- mattstake

There were a lot of Flyers fans that disliked Rinaldo. He was far from a fan favorite.