Flyers’ Jakub Voracek appealing two-game suspension

Philadelphia Flyers' Jakub Voracek gets New York Islanders' Johnny Boychuk with a dirty reverse-hit that absolutely levels the defenceman. Voracek would be handed a five-minute major for interference, and Boychuk promises to remember the altercation.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Jakub Voracek is appealing his two-game suspension for interference, assessed by the NHL on Sunday. Commissioner Gary Bettman will hear the appeal on Tuesday, according to Sportsnet’s John Shannon.

Voracek was suspended for a hit he threw on New York Islanders defenceman Johnny Boychuk Saturday. As the two players pursued the puck in the Flyers zone, Voracek lunged backwards and hit Boychuk hard with his elbow, sending the defender to the ice.

The Flyers forward was given a five-minute major for interference for the hit, while Boychuk left the game and didn’t return.

“I tried to protect myself and, to be honest, maybe the puck was a little further [ahead] than I thought,” Voracek said after Saturday’s game. “The explanation I got was if I hit him in the head, it would be a game [misconduct]. I don’t know why I got five [minutes].”

The Flyers play on Monday against the Ottawa Senators and Thursday against the Washington Capitals. Philadelphia enters the week five points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild-card spot in the East.

Voracek cannot play while his suspension is being appealed.

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