Ball taps are funny. There’s a reason why America’s Funniest Home Videos dedicates an entire segment to them every week. Our favorites are the missed piñata, bat-swing-to-the-groin.
A hit in the nuts is funny for everyone. Well, almost everyone. A funny ball tap is entertaining for everyone except the recipient. For that person, it’s never funny.
On Tuesday night, the 24-28-11 Philadelphia Flyers were in Florida taking on the Tampa Bay Lighting. By the third period, the Flyers were down 5 to 2. After a stoppage of play, both teams were gathered around the Tampa Bay net. Defenseman Tony DeAngelo came skating toward the goal with his stick raised and speared Lightning forward Corey Perry in the groin.
Once Perry’s teammates realized what happened, they went after DeAngelo. The refs diffused the situation and issued a 5 minute major and game misconduct to DeAngelo. The next day, the NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the incident and suspended him for two games.
We reviewed it too. Many times. It’s kinda funny… but also cringe worthy. If it was indeed an accident, we would be okay with it. But to us it looks like a blatant jab. That’s not cool man. Decide for yourself:
