Feb 20, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo (77) skates against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Calgary Flames
(New York, NY) — New York Rangers fan favorite (joke) Tony DeAngelo is once again making headlines, and yet again, for all of the wrong reasons.
The Philadelphia Flyers defenseman was ejected from Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning and suspended for two games after spearing forward Corey Perry in the third period. DeAngelo received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the play.
You can watch the hit here: https://twitter.com/ShootwAuthority/status/1633515093429297167?s=20
The 27-year-old said after the game he meant to give Perry a “shot” during the stoppage, but didn’t mean to hit him where he did.
“He tried to slash my stick out of my hands a second beforehand. He talks all game. I asked him to fight. Doesn’t want to fight. He’ll tell you that he’s asked me to fight for years. I don’t say no,” said DeAngelo. “The replay probably looks a little bit worse than it was meant to be, but it is what it is. I took 30 punches on the ground, and when I get up they don’t let me do what I gotta do. So it’s whatever.”
“I haven’t seen the clip. Guys in the room said it was pretty obvious,” Flyers head coach John Tortorella (another former Ranger) told reporters after the game. “That’s a part of who Tony is, and I think he’s done a pretty good job this year in staying on that line (while) competing. Because he competes. Maybe he crossed it tonight. I’ve got to look at the tape.”
DeAngelo will miss games Thursday at Carolina and Saturday at Pittsburgh, and forfeit about $54,000 in salary. The Flyers currently rank 7th in the Metropolitan Division with 59 points.
