I would go with Sestito. Another big body can't hurt. Flyers are being pushed off the puck like infants.
- PLindbergh31

Id go with Hamels....he aint doing anything for the next week or so...

but who cares, he let malkin, neal, weber and ovechkin off for much worse
- flyerscup2011

Neal didn't get off. Ovie did, and probably deserved a game. Likewise with Weber. Malkin's elbows are sneaky, like our old friend Dorny, and I'm not surprised he got away with it.

But again, it's not just the hit with Giroux. I bet when Shanny does the video explanation he'll make a specific point of how G raced up the ice pissed off about a non call, and took out his anger on an unsuspecting player.

It's worse than those other hits, in my opinion. And if Zubrus did that to Giroux you'd be screaming for a 20 games suspension.

You used to be more original, and mildly entertaining. This is weak sauce Sir.
- PLindbergh31

You're just upset he's wimming this battle of wits.

Similar seasons last year between the two teams. Big expectations, bad results.
- Rally_Shots

Lot of parallels imo between the two coaches. Both guys usually make the playoffs, both have been to the Championship once and lost. Not bad coaches, but for whatever reason they are unable to get their team over the hump.

1000% right, my man.
- flyerscup2011

Here's my issue, Giroux turning and yelling at the ref is what made this decision, you can hear it in Shanny's voice in the video. If you're going to take that into account why dont you watch the segment and realize what it's about rather than just guessing like he clearly did. Shanny had a MONDO temper when he was a playter and it's showing now. G showed no remorse and when asked after the game he pointed out a devils infraction rather than downplaying it. This is about Shanny's ego.

No Malkin Suspension for the same exact thing.
No Weber Suspension for a much worse thing.
No Ovechkin suspension........

If you can't be consistent? You shouldn't be in the position. Period.

Giroux deserved the suspension. It was a dirty play. The Flyers became the Penguins in this round. Maybe having Giroux out will force the team to work simpler and harder. I doubt it though. If I see a great effort in Game 5 thats all I want to see.
- Just5

are you flipping kidding me? the pens were 50 times worse. this is nothing in comparison.

The action speaks for itself. The head was the primary point of contact. I haven't watched the Shanny explanation vid clip yet, but you're correct in saying that what led up to the hit is really a moot point.
- rockychocbill

I think you are wrong about that. Its not just result, but intent. Shanahan says that Zubrus' head does not move so Giroux cannot have hit it accidentally. I do buy that part. I don't however understand the equating of passion with premeditation when determining intent. Nor do I understand the lack of uniformity in these decisions.

The law is never just a single application but also judicial precedent. Precedent is often as important as what is written into law. By throwing darts, all Shanny has done is completely botched it. I don't think anyone knows anymore what a suspendable offence is.

Here's my issue, Giroux turning and yelling at the ref is what made this decision, you can hear it in Shanny's voice in the video. If you're going to take that into account why dont you watch the segment and realize what it's about rather than just guessing like he clearly did. Shanny had a MONDO temper when he was a playter and it's showing now. G showed no remorse and when asked after the game he pointed out a devils infraction rather than downplaying it. This is about Shanny's ego.

No Malkin Suspension for the same exact thing.
No Weber Suspension for a much worse thing.
No Ovechkin suspension........

If you can't be consistent? You shouldn't be in the position. Period.
- Ferrarimn7

he needs to go. if g deserved that suspension then kronwall deserved to be suspended for his hit on voracek, oh but wait kronwall plays for the red wings

i mean all kronwall hit was head

Is he even available to play yet?
- stveshdy

I believe he has been practicing, and is healthy enough to play.

You're just upset he's wimming this battle of wits.
- BulliesPhan87

It's in the COC not to correct grammatical mistakes, as it is considered trollish. I let that one go.

I would go with Sestito. Another big body can't hurt. Flyers are being pushed off the puck like infants.
- PLindbergh31

I agree ... and that's maybe a safer bet than Rinaldo.

I could just see Rinaldo taking a 5 minute major sometime in the first period.

I agree ... and that's maybe a safer bet than Rinaldo.

I could just see Rinaldo taking a 5 minute major sometime in the first period.

- FlyerGuy

If Rinaldo sneezes on someone it's a penalty. The referees have rendered him ineffective. Sestito or Holmstrom. Or maybe a 7th d-man. Whoever the extra forward is, they aren't going to play much if at all.

As much as you wouldn't want it to, human nature plays a part here. The whole "grey area" argument becomes a little less grey because of Giroux's actions prior to the hit. It's easier for Shanahan (and more likely for any person) to deem it malicious because they go "yup, look he's mad". Where as with other plays its not so clear cut because it is happening "heat of the moment".
- markmark

So when Neal only gets 1 game for targeting the Flyers top 2 players on 2 separate hits in 1 shift?!? Did Neal not look like someone who was frustrated and targeting whatever player's head that was in the same vicinity as his shoulder? Oh, right. He was trying to "brace himself" with his collision with Couturier, hence him leaving his feet.

The excuse that you are making for Shanahan is really laughable. Let's try not to pretend that Shanahan didn't play 15-20 seasons in the NHL and has seen it all.

If Rinaldo sneezes on someone it's a penalty. The referees have rendered him ineffective. Sestito or Holmstrom. Or maybe a 7th d-man. Whoever the extra forward is, they aren't going to play much if at all.
- PLindbergh31

Sestito vs Sestito.


Our Sestito actually played pretty well before he was hurt. He has some good speed for a big man, and is real physical.

All in all it won't matter who plays if the other 14 guys don't pick up their game two fold.

he needs to go. if g deserved that suspension then kronwall deserved to be suspended for his hit on voracek, oh but wait kronwall plays for the red wings

i mean all kronwall hit was head
- flyerscup2011

Kronwall did not look pissed, neither did Neal (Grossmann's knee on him was much earlier). Moral: don't look pissed. Just be sneaky and cold-blooded and claim you were jumping to avoid contact.

Kronwall did not look pissed, neither did Neal (Grossmann's knee on him was much earlier). Moral: don't look pissed. Just be sneaky and cold-blooded and claim you were jumping to avoid contact.
- PT21

who cares if g was mad or ecstatic? shouldn't a hockey player be mad at all times anyway?

Not sure why people think Sestito is a good candidate for tomorrow. We need smart players that can work through the Devils forecheck. That means quick players who can outlet the puck and dump it when necessary.

And I can't imagine Sestito making much of a difference when the Devils are getting the puck out of their zone in a matter of seconds. Sestito will be lining up his next shot as 3 Devils are breaking into our zone. I don't see him being worthwhile in this series. Rangers, maybe.

If Meszy is healthy enough and can move, I'll take him. Otherwise, we need quick and decisive players out there.

Sestito vs Sestito.


Our Sestito actually played pretty well before he was hurt. He has some good speed for a big man, and is real physical.

All in all it won't matter who plays if the other 14 guys don't pick up their game two fold.
- FlyerGuy

Exactly. The only way the forward who dresses in Giroux's place has any impact on the game will likely be if it is Rinaldo and he takes a dumb penalty.

This suspension has probably been beaten to death, but I have to say, I am more surprised that Shanny made the call.

I thought it was suspension worthy based on all the stuff they've been preaching, but figured that they wouldn't suspend it due to the inconsitenticies. It's textbook for everything they want out of the game, yet time and time again we've seen similar hits with no calls. Hopefully, this suspension puts Shanny and the suspensions on the right track.

Not sure why people think Sestito is a good candidate for tomorrow. We need smart players that can work through the Devils forecheck. That means quick players who can outlet the puck and dump it when necessary.

And I can't imagine Sestito making much of a difference when the Devils are getting the puck out of their zone in a matter of seconds. Sestito will be lining up his next shot as 3 Devils are breaking into our zone. I don't see him being worthwhile in this series. Rangers, maybe.

If Meszy is healthy enough and can move, I'll take him. Otherwise, we need quick and decisive players out there.
- steelydan

A 7th d-man isn't a bad idea. Spotting Meszaros 6-8 minutes if he can do it. It's not like the Flyers are brimming with options. It's going to be Harry Z, Rinaldo, Holmstrom or Sestito. Although I wouldn't mind seeing Matt Ford. I think he's one of the black aces.

I think you are wrong about that. Its not just result, but intent. Shanahan says that Zubrus' head does not move so Giroux cannot have hit it accidentally. I do buy that part. I don't however understand the equating of passion with premeditation when determining intent. Nor do I understand the lack of uniformity in these decisions.

The law is never just a single application but also judicial precedent. Precedent is often as important as what is written into law. By throwing darts, all Shanny has done is completely botched it. I don't think anyone knows anymore what a suspendable offence is.
- PT21

The fact that Giroux slashed down like that shows frustration and a total lack of respect and therefore at that time he could give two poops if he hurt Zubrus on the slash. The slash followed Zubrus' dump-in and the headshot was a while later. For Giroux to hit the head that late, it was obviously intentional. There's some plays where it's bang-bang but that was well away from the play, did not need to be made, and there was only 5 or so seconds left in the period. The puck was behind the Flyers net with 5 seconds to go, all the evidence just points to Giroux doing it intentionally.

This suspension has probably been beaten to death, but I have to say, I am more surprised that Shanny made the call.

I thought it was suspension worthy based on all the stuff they've been preaching, but figured that they wouldn't suspend it due to the inconsitenticies. It's textbook for everything they want out of the game, yet time and time again we've seen similar hits with no calls. Hopefully, this suspension puts Shanny and the suspensions on the right track.
- _Zippy_

Suspension worthy absolutely. Suspending him for an elimination game when guys like Weber, Malkin, and Ovechkin have committed equal or more flagrant infractions is the inconsistency that raises eyebrows.

This suspension has probably been beaten to death, but I have to say, I am more surprised that Shanny made the call.

I thought it was suspension worthy based on all the stuff they've been preaching, but figured that they wouldn't suspend it due to the inconsitenticies. It's textbook for everything they want out of the game, yet time and time again we've seen similar hits with no calls. Hopefully, this suspension puts Shanny and the suspensions on the right track.
- _Zippy_

Agree 100%.

Suspension worthy absolutely. Suspending him for an elimination game when guys like Weber, Malkin, and Ovechkin have committed equal or more flagrant infractions is the inconsistency that raises eyebrows.
- PLindbergh31

Yup, that's exactly why I was skeptical on a suspension. However, you have to hope that he follows through with these calls. Suspending Giroux for an elimination game in the Semifinals is a big game to suspend him from, so I guess we will see.

Troll Alert
- Ferrarimn7

There's a difference between a troll and someone who actually comes to talk hockey.

Plus, I was just trying to show him where the intent part of it comes into play.