I never want to see a player hurt, but let's get one thing clear: that hit set the tone for the rest of the game. It was going to be that kind of game and it played right into the Flyers' hands
- MatveiDmitrii

I think there is some merit to that, but the game could've been over in the first period with the firepower that the Pens have and 5 minutes of PP time. The Flyers PK stepped up or it would've been a disaster.

After a good night's sleep, I still can't get over how stupid Rinaldo sounded in that interview.

Whether it was a joke or not, it was still stupid.

I think there is some merit to that, but the game could've been over in the first period with the firepower that the Pens have and 5 minutes of PP time. The Flyers PK stepped up or it would've been a disaster.
- MJL

Exactly -- basing this on outcomes instead of actions is the absolute worst way to look at something like this.

It's exactly that kind of bullpoop rationale that allowed Matt Cooke to continually injure people -- "Oh, the other guy wasn't injured. Cookie didn't MEAN it. He has to play that way to stay in the NHL. He just made a mistake."

Bullpoop. All justifications for when a dangerous player is on someone's favorite team.

Should Rinaldo be excused for the hit, and not blamed for putting the team in a bad spot because there have been far worse hits and this one doesn't even compare? Should he not be suspended for it because there have been far worse hits? And if the answer to those questions is no, why does it matter if there have been far worse hits?
- MJL

I was commenting on people's reactions to the hit. I expected to see a video of a decapitation. I'm not excusing Rinaldo for the hit nor the position he put the rest of this team in.

Be as so kind as to quote me saying so.

I never want to see a player hurt, but let's get one thing clear: that hit set the tone for the rest of the game. It was going to be that kind of game and it played right into the Flyers' hands
- MatveiDmitrii

The Luke Schenn goal on the Flyers first genuine shot (and second official shot) and the successful five-minute kill were the springboards. It wasn't Rinaldo's doing in a positive way.

Let's say that Ehrhoff scores instead of hitting the inside of the post during the five-minute advantage. That was the margin between the five-minute kill being a springboard or the Penguins benefiting from it.

Honestly, even without the Rinaldo hit on Letang, I think the Flyers just has so much frustration built up -- plus the fact that they were playing the Penguins -- that I think the rest of the game might have unfolded with a lot of intensity after the way the Flyers got hemmed in so much early in the game.

I don't think he will be missed at all. How effective is the "fire" does he bring & how does it "fire" up the team? Very little. Whatever positives he brings-and there's a couple- are outweighed and negated by the negatives.
- Jsaquella

Exactly he has had his chances, there are more disciplined guys that can fill that role for sure

Exactly -- basing this on outcomes instead of actions is the absolute worst way to look at something like this.

It's exactly that kind of bullpoop rationale that allowed Matt Cooke to continually injure people -- "Oh, the other guy wasn't injured. Cookie didn't MEAN it. He has to play that way to stay in the NHL. He just made a mistake."

Bullpoop. All justifications for when a dangerous player is on someone's favorite team.
- AllInForFlyers

Can't ignore the position Rinaldo put the team in, just because it worked out and the Flyers killed the penalty.

I think there is some merit to that, but the game could've been over in the first period with the firepower that the Pens have and 5 minutes of PP time. The Flyers PK stepped up or it would've been a disaster.
- MJL

I'd be fine if he turned the tide with a clean, hard hit (such as the hit on Doughty in 11/12). But the fact that he made the hit, injured a player (intent or not) with an illegal hit, and made his team shorthanded for 5 minutes (after taking a stupid, selfish minor earlier) has me done with him. I hoped he could turn his game around, but he hasn't. He's been given his chances, and I'm done with him.

The Luke Schenn goal on the Flyers first genuine shot (and second official shot) and the successful five-minute kill were the springboards. It wasn't Rinaldo's doing in a positive way.

Let's say that Ehrhoff scores instead of hitting the inside of the post during the five-minute advantage. That was the margin between the five-minute kill being a springboard or the Penguins benefiting from it.

Honestly, even without the Rinaldo hit on Letang, I think the Flyers just has so much frustration built up -- plus the fact that they were playing the Penguins -- that I think the rest of the game might have unfolded with a lot of intensity after the way the Flyers got hemmed in so much early in the game.
- bmeltzer

Pretty much. They were damned lucky they caught PIT on a down time for their PP. Man, were they inept all night.

It's true that the overall chippiness of the game derailed the Pens at ES. But again, all those penalties taken... usually it burns you.

His comments last night were almost despicable and, yeah, he REALLY doesn't get it. At some point the league and PA will say enough is a enough and players like Rinaldo will be all but eradicated from the league if they can't play more disciplined and add more value across the board.
- NickTheKid87

All he actually said was his hit changed the game and caused all those fights in the 2nd period. Which is true. And that was after saying he didn't mean to hurt Letang. I don't think the comments are a big deal at all.

But if that was Rinaldo's last NHL game that would be fine with me. Hextall needs to be asked again why he gave this guy an extension before the season even started.

I was commenting on people's reactions to the hit. I expected to see a video of a decapitation. I'm not excusing Rinaldo for the hit nor the position he put the rest of this team in.

Be as so kind as to quote me saying so.
- Fast_Eddie_1

In my opinion people are reacting correctly to the hit, in that it was a very bad hit, that could possibly have caused a serious injury, and he put the team in jeopardy. That there have been worse hits in my opinion, really doesn't matter.

I always found it funny that Akeson was never well rounded enough to keep with the team, but Rinaldo is

I'd be fine if he turned the tide with a clean, hard hit (such as the hit on Doughty in 11/12). But the fact that he made the hit, injured a player (intent or not) with an illegal hit, and made his team shorthanded for 5 minutes (after taking a stupid, selfish minor earlier) has me done with him. I hoped he could turn his game around, but he hasn't. He's been given his chances, and I'm done with him.
- jmatchett383

I don't have a problem with any of that, and can't disagree with it.

On another note, Manning played a solid game I thought.

I always found it funny that Akeson was never well rounded enough to keep with the team, but Rinaldo is
- PhillySportsGuy

Rinaldo is a real boy while Akeson is just a wooden puppet. This was found during their physicals.

Oilers willing to deal their 1st:
http://www.coppernblue.co...o-trade-first-round-picks


GO GO HEXY GOOOO!

I'd be fine if he turned the tide with a clean, hard hit (such as the hit on Doughty in 11/12). But the fact that he made the hit, injured a player (intent or not) with an illegal hit, and made his team shorthanded for 5 minutes (after taking a stupid, selfish minor earlier) has me done with him. I hoped he could turn his game around, but he hasn't. He's been given his chances, and I'm done with him.
- jmatchett383

Agreed!

I don't have a problem with any of that, and can't disagree with it.

On another note, Manning played a solid game I thought.
- MJL

Manning had a few adventures, but nothing major. He's not an NHL regular, and really probably shouldn't be. But he showed he can adequately fill in and play a semi-regular shift when spotted accordingly. Was solid overall.

I always found it funny that Akeson was never well rounded enough to keep with the team, but Rinaldo is
- PhillySportsGuy

Not about being well rounded but about roles. Akeson is a scoring line player, Rinaldo is a 4th line player.

Oilers willing to deal their 1st:
http://www.coppernblue.co...o-trade-first-round-picks


GO GO HEXY GOOOO!
- Tomahawk

Gotta think its the Pens pick that they'd be willing to deal, but I'd happily offer them Coburn for it!

I'd be fine if he turned the tide with a clean, hard hit (such as the hit on Doughty in 11/12). But the fact that he made the hit, injured a player (intent or not) with an illegal hit, and made his team shorthanded for 5 minutes (after taking a stupid, selfish minor earlier) has me done with him. I hoped he could turn his game around, but he hasn't. He's been given his chances, and I'm done with him.
- jmatchett383

This...wanted to defend him at the beginning of the season, but he has made no progress...

Manning had a few adventures, but nothing major. He's not an NHL regular, and really probably shouldn't be. But he showed he can adequately fill in and play a semi-regular shift when spotted accordingly. Was solid overall.
- jmatchett383

Yup, I think he could certainly fill the 7th man role next season.

Not about being well rounded but about roles. Akeson is a scoring line player, Rinaldo is a 4th line player.
- MJL

And Rinaldo is currently playing on a scoring line, no?

So Rinaldo is a pooplord


but otherwise, I'd be lying if I said that wasn't the most fun I've had all season.

And Rinaldo is currently playing on a scoring line, no?
- Tomahawk

I didn't get that.

And for the love of God, TAKE BRAYDEN SCHENN OFF OF THE TOP LINE! IT IS NOT WORKING!

the other issue with rinaldo's hit on letang was that it was very late. letang had given up the puck well before zac boarded him.

and really, akeson cant dress in front of rinaldo? i just dont understand the thinking there.