Shawn Thornton Steps Up and Takes Zac Rinaldo Down with Some Heavy Punches

There wasn't much that went the Flyers way in Saturday afternoon's 3-0 blanking by the Bruins.

All three goals were scored within 2:18 seconds of each other.  Tyler Seguin got it started with a power play goal, then Chris Kelly netted the second with assists coming from his third line mates, Jordan Caron and Rich Peverley.  To cap the scoring, Daniel Paille slipped one under the pads of Ilya Bryzgalov assisted by the other two Merlot liners, Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton.

The Bruins played a complete team game, pressuring the Flyers right down to the last second with a late energy that has been lacking the past few contests.  Playing as a team also means stepping up for your guys when called upon, and today, Thornton answered the bell against tough guy Zac Rinaldo.  Rinaldo went down to the corner to put a heavy hit on Bruins D-man Johnny Boychuk, and while it was a little high, it was clean. 

Still, Thornton took exception to the hit and challenged Rinaldo right away.  The Flyers energy liner is a pretty tough customer, and usually leads off his bouts with some wild hooks, but when you're fighting Thornton you have to be better than that. 

Decision - Thornton.