Flyers

The Flyers Suffered Some Questionable Calls… Again

By Russ Joy

Published: Mar 23rd, 2019 · 7:12 PM EDT

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I’m not one for blaming the refs all of the time. Officiating is a tough job. Aside from having to keep up on the ice with the speed of play, maintaining adequate positioning for the best line of sight, and dealing with a raucous crowd, refs are the first to be blamed and the last to be heralded for making a call. In today’s Flyers/Islanders game, hockey fans were treated to one of the most egregious calls of the year. Check out this “high-sticking” penalty that earned Flyers’ defenseman Robert Hägg a double minor:

Brock Nelson high sticks his own teammate, so naturally Robert Hagg got four minutes for high sticking.

Makes sense 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hgFH6laVdf

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 23, 2019

That’s right, folks. Robert Hägg was called hit with a double minor for high sticking WHILE HIS STICK WAS ON THE ICE.

That had to be the worst call of the day. The worst non-call? How’s this hit on Sean Couturier for ya?

Matt Martin boards Sean Couturier … no call. pic.twitter.com/CDMkpMYQgG

— Sons of Penn (@SonsofPenn) March 23, 2019

You think he took it well?

Sean Couturier is pissed. pic.twitter.com/ftpfFRPYBe

— Sons of Penn (@SonsofPenn) March 23, 2019

Looks like the check on Couturier from Matt Martin was right between his numbers and Coots went crown-of-his-head-first into the boards. That was far more dangerous than what Voracek was suspended for. But unless he misses time, there won't be a suspension.

— Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) March 23, 2019

Not only did Matt Martin hit Coots between the numbers, he extended his arms to drive him head-first into the boards. In my estimation, Martin either intended to injure Couturier, or he’s just a positionally-unaware fool. So yeah. Enjoy your Saturday.