Jori Lehtera open ice hit, suspendable?

[Theo Von]

Flared the elbow out. Caught Bjorkstrand in the head with it. Totally unnecessary elbow. Open ice hit. Thoughts? (Will post more gifs/vids when they become available.)

Click to read more...

 

[ArGarBarGar]

That looked brutal.

 

[gorangers0525]

I think Bjorkstrand moving at the last second will save Lehtera from a suspension.

 

[Viqsi]

Thankfully, Bjorkstrand was out on the ice for the next shift.

Unfortunately, that probably means DOPS is going to shrug and ignore it.

* * *​

I think Bjorkstrand moving at the last second will save Lehtera from a suspension.

Given that Lehtera stuck his elbow out, I'm not so sure that's going to matter.

 

[snipes]

The blow train coming through keep your head up

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

Bad by both players.

 

[TeeTee]

Dirty

 

[Cellee]

Slow mo makes walking down the street seem malicious, but that looked bad.

 

[Tkachuky]

Guy reaches for the puck in a vulnerable position doesn’t make the hit clean.

 

[BaileyMacTavish]

That extended elbow... I'm thinking Parros will have to take a look.

 

[traparatus]

It's a tough call, for me. Bjorkstrand lowers his head by a good foot immediately preceding the hit. I don't think Lehtera expected that at all.

Close call.

 

[Theo Von]

Surpringsly ive been constantly refreshing twitter feed and can’t find any more gifs/vids

 

[Il Stugotz]

Kunitz’s elbow on a Flames defender was worse (more force) and didn’t get a hearing.

 

[TheGreatOne11]

Intentional elbow to the head, that has to be a suspension.....Right?

 

[Crede777]

Nah, Bjorkstrand lunged forward right before getting hit.

Lehtera didn't mean to make contact with his head, so 2 mins is correct call. Maybe he elbowed on purpose but to me looks like he was just going for the puck.

Also Bjorkstrand was fine and out for the PP. Had Lehtera been trying to injure him, I think he would have caused more damage given it was an elbow to the face/head.

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Not good by all means but that tweet is pathetic.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

Maybe Bjorkstrand is a Fed investigating a cocaine ring

Looked more like he was bracing and trying to absorb contact, OB is basically on his knees at time of impact. So physics would say there's probably gonna be head contact in any collision between them at that point.

 

[Kevs Security]

I love how Lehtera is a goon now. Also love the fact Flyers fans call him a slug

 

[Your Boy Troy]

Nice juvenile tweet.

 

[ookhaab]

Is there another angle?

 

[LOFIN]

Absolutely a suspension. Not only does he pick the head but he picks it with the elbow too.

Not sure about how many games though, it's his first time isn't it? 2 or 3 maybe?

 

[Theo Von]

Is there another angle?

Still can’t find any other vids/gifs. If anyone can make one/provide one, I’d be interested in seeing it again (watched it live and thought it was pretty brutal).

 

[SquiddFX]

I'm not sure what to think. It looks absolutely dirty from this angle. At the same time, Bjorkstrand is falling/reaching for the puck. I originally thought Lethera was going to hold off Borkstrand and that's why his elbow went out.

 

[F L Y E R S]

Just some good ole' physical hockey. Me like.

 

[Theo Von]

Finally found video of the play: here it is.



Yep, dirty.