First player of the season pulled by concussion spotter after ugly high hit

The Philadelphia Flyers were in the middle of a critical late-game power play on Monday night when their prized rookie was suddenly unavailable.

Porter Martone was removed from the game by the concussion spotter after taking a high hit from Tampa Bay Lightning’s Brandon Hagel, who was assessed a two-minute minor for elbowing. It marked the first time this season that anyone was placed in concussion protocol.

The timing could hardly have been worse for Philadelphia. With the Flyers on the power play in a key moment late in the contest, losing Martone from the lineup left a significant hole at a pivotal juncture.

The TV broadcast captured Martone being escorted away by the concussion spotter. The hit from Hagel appeared to catch Martone high, drawing immediate attention from viewers and fans online.

Reaction on social media was swift and pointed. Some observers argued the play warranted far more than a minor penalty, with one fan calling it "completely intentional" and suggesting it should have resulted in a major and a suspension. Others criticized the Flyers for not responding physically on Martone's behalf after the hit.

Whether the NHL's Department of Player Safety takes a closer look at Hagel's elbow remains to be seen. Fortunately for Philly, Martone returned to his teammates before the end of the game after clearing the concussion protocol.