NHL Will Not Suspend Zac Rinaldo for Couturier Hit

Now the Flyers know firsthand what opposing teams feel like about Zac Rinaldo,

The NHL announced today that Rinaldo will not be suspended for his hit on forward Sean Couturier on Wednesday night in Boston.

It was near the end of the first period when Rinaldo hit Couturier near the jaw that forced him to leave the game with a (concussion) upper-body injury.

Rinaldo received a five minute major penalty and a game misconduct after making the hit.

Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol was not happy about the hit, nor was Flyers beat writer Sam Carchidi.

But after further review from the NHL, the hit was deemed to be punished enough on the ice by the officials.

Stephane Quintal, the NHL discipline czar, remained supportive of the call on the ice, but also deemed that it was not elbowing, nor did Rinaldo commit an illegal check to head. It was also determined that Rinaldo did not "launch" himself (aka leave his skates) towards the player.

Rinaldo is no stranger to illegal hits.

Last season with the Flyers he compiled 102 penalty minutes in just 58 games. He was also suspended 8 games for a devastating hit on Kris Letang of the Penguins.

Still in the process of determining discipline, the NHL has said that they will not factor in any past history. If they did, Rinaldo would certainly have faced some sort of suspension and/or fine.

Rinaldo was traded to the Bruins during the off season for a 2017 third round draft pick.

Check out their explanation below: