Flyers express 'sincere regret' over fan behavior

Several Flyers on Tuesday admonished the 100 or so fans who threw wristbands onto the ice the previous night, putting players at risk and causing a delay-of-game penalty that gave Washington a 5-on-3 power play late in the Capitals' 6-1 win.

"It's a passionate fan base," goalie Steve Mason said, "but you can be passionate without doing things like that."

Monday's loss followed an emotional pre-game tribute to Ed Snider, the Flyers' chairman and co-founder who died April 11 at 83.

Snider's daughter, Sarena, tweeted a message to fans:

Game 4 will be played at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday, when the Capitals will try to sweep the best-of-seven series.

Center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, whose five-minute checking-from-behind penalty and game misconduct triggered the wristband incident, said he was surprised by the fans' reaction.

"I've seen this in Europe," the Frenchman said, "but I was not expecting this. I understand the frustration of the fans. It's not something you want to see your fans do."

The Flyers put out a statement calling their fans "the best in sports. However, last night, a number of individuals behaved in an unacceptable manner."

The statement said fans have the right to "voice their displeasure vocally or by not watching or attending the games, but when displeasure is expressed in a way that embarrasses or endangers others, it cannot be condoned or tolerated. As an organization and on behalf of the overwhelming majority of Flyers' fans who express their passion in a positive manner, we wish to express our sincere regret."

Said winger Wayne Simmonds: "I know we got into some penalty trouble at the end, but I don't think the fans helped us out any."

Winger Jake Voracek was upset the fans' penalty gave the Caps a 5-on-3 and put his teammates in a difficult spot as they tried to defend one-time blasts from Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson.

"When you have to go on one knee and take one for the team, it's not a lot of fun," Voracek said, noting that defenseman Nick Schultz blocked a slew of shots.

"We have more guys out there putting their bodies on the line, trying to block shots. And it could have ultimately ended in an injury," Simmonds said. "Luckily, it didn't. It's not like we're not going out there giving an effort. Because we are going out there busting our butts."