Photo: Matt Slocum
Late in the third period of Game Three, Flyers forward Pierre-Édouard Bellemare delivered a reckless hit on Dmitry Orlov, driving the Capitals defenseman’s head into the end boards. He was assessed a five minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct with a disciplinary hearing scheduled for Tuesday. In the evening, the NHL delivered its verdict.
In a video explaining their decision, the league’s Department of Player Safety said Bellemare was “in control of [the] play at all times,” saw “nothing but Orlov’s numbers” and caused a “dangerous impact.” Bellemare, they said, had “ample to time to adjust his angle of approach” to avoid the hit. Nevertheless, Orlov went uninjured, despite the fact he could have easily broken his neck. That means Bellemare got just a one game suspension. But if it’s up to the Capitals, that’ll last until September.
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