From the hit itself to the controversial reaction from Flyers fans, the third period of the Caps - Flyers Game 3 generated a lot of drama on Monday night.
This isn’t by any means a comprehensive breakdown - that would be pretty tough to pull off - but hopefully it’s thorough enough to give you a taste for what’s being said.
First, in the video above: Jeremy Roenick was fixated on the hit that really got the ball rolling. As you can see, he believes that the NHL should throw the book at Pierre-Edouard Bellemare for that check from behind on Dmitry Orlov.
It sounds like the league will at least discuss supplemental discipline:
Tough one to be sure, but supplemental discipline for Bellemare is being considered following major penalty for hit on Orlov.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 19, 2016
Let’s face it, though; the biggest fireworks came with the crowd reaction that followed.
A refresher on what happened (more here): fans threw wristbands after game misconducts were being handed out, prompting the PA announcer to ask them to stop.
... It didn’t really work, even with the threat of delay of game penalties against the Flyers.
This much seems true:
The display from fans in the third period should be plenty of ammunition to give national columnists against Philly for a couple decades.
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) April 19, 2016
It might be more interesting to hear how parties involved felt. Well, for one thing, Philly residents and/or fans seem unhappy to be associated with the wristband-throwers:
'embarrassing' is now trending in #Philadelphia https://t.co/Wbb75kbGlk
— Trendsmap Philly (@TrendsPhilly) April 19, 2016
Anyone who threw the wristband onto the ice is no longer welcome in my Flyers fandom. Full stop.
— Rachel (@rmiriam) April 19, 2016
(People on social media indicated that Wayne Simmonds and Dave Hakstol showed signs of being upset about the reactions.)
Remarkably, at least one Flyer shrugged his shoulders at the whole outrage:
Ryan White on #Flyers fans throwing wristbands: "Whatever. I love the Philly fans. I'd have done it too."
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) April 19, 2016
From the Capitals side, it’s no surprise that there was disapproval.
Jason Chimera found some silver lining:
Hey, at least there’s that.
PHT will keep an eye out for details on that hit and, if applicable, any ways the league may respond to that ugly scene.