It was no doubt a frustrating Sunday night for Flyers fans as the NHL Department of Player Safety suspended RW Jake Voracek for two games for his hit on Islanders defenseman, Johnny Boychuk.
Voracek, who returned to the ice Saturday night after missing the last two games with a “lower-body” injury, was given a five-minute major for interference. Most would think that would be enough justice, as it didn’t appear that Voracek’s main point of contact was Boychuk’s head. Apparently, the NHL felt differently.
After Saturday nights game, Voracek talked about the penalty and about what Boychuk’s reaction was when he eventually got up from the ice.
“The explanation I got was if I hit him in the head it would’ve been a game. I don’t know why I got five (minutes). I tried to protect myself. To be honest, maybe the puck was a little further than I thought. I thought the puck was closer to me and obviously it’s a tough hit, but he’s skating off the ice; he’s pointing at me like, I don’t know, like it’s Wrestle Mania or something. Like, come on, it’s a hockey game. Jesus Christ. He’s the guy that was sucker punching 19-year old Nolan Patrick last year at the end of a game. He’s gonna do that? Jeez, give me a break”.
Jake was clearly upset at the call and rightfully so. He’s probably even more upset over the suspension considering the Department of NHL player Safety has been extremely inconsistent.
Previously, on February 11th, in yet another heated rivalry between the Flyers and Penguins, Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin took a swing at Flyers forward Michal Raffl’s head, leading to a match penalty. The funny thing is, Malkin received what was only a one game suspension, leaving Flyers fans extremely upset.
Back on February 15th, Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha drilled Flyers captain Claude Giroux’s head into the boards. There was no penalty called on the play and Mantha did not receive a suspension.
If the NHL Department of Player Safety is going to suspend a guy like Voracek for bracing himself, then so be it, but that means they have to be consistent across the board. They’ve been far from being “consistent” this year.
It’s apparent why both the Flyers and their fans are upset.
Since February 2nd, “Jake the Snake” has been a high producer for the Orange and Black. Over the fifteen game span, he has put up 19 points, (7 goals, 12 assists) helping the Flyers make a late push for the playoffs.
Jake will miss Monday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, and Thursday night’s game vs. the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Washington Capitals. The Flyers, including Voracek, will be back in action on Friday night in Toronto to take on Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs.
The Flyers are back in action tonight as they take on the Ottawa Senators. Puck Drop is set for 7PM.
As always, Lets Go Flyers!
Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
