Writer: Kevin Durso
No suspension for Rinaldo after hit on Couturier
Among the many turning points in Wednesday night’s game between the Flyers and Bruins was Zac Rinaldo’s major penalty for charging that earned him a game misconduct and gave the Flyers a five-minute power play.
More importantly, it knocked Sean Couturier out of the game.
Couturier is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, according to GM Ron Hextall. However, there is a big development on Rinaldo’s front from the Department of Player Safety. And it’s surprising.
Rinaldo will not face supplemental discipline for his hit on Couturier.
Rinaldo, who has been suspended three times in his career and is known to have run-ins with the NHL’s law, somehow escaped discipline for the hit.
"I'm not going to comment on that hit at all," head coach Dave Hakstol said after the Flyers 5-4 overtime win. "There's no place for it. That's all I have to say."
The former Flyer was suspended for two, four and eight games in his three prior suspensions.
Video of the hit is below.
Notes
In addition to updating the condition of Couturier, Hextall also provided updates on Michal Neuvirth and Brayden Schenn. Schenn was a late scratch for Wednesday after suffering an upper-body injury, presumably in Tuesday's game. He remains day-to-day. Neuvirth started the game on Wednesday and exited after the first period. He also has an upper-body injury and is day-to-day.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.