Flyers hit with penalty after fans throw wristbands on ice

PHILADELPHIA -- Flyers fans showed their displeasure late in Monday night's game when they tossed wristbands, which had been used as part of a pregame lights show, on the ice as the Washington Capitals turned the matchup into a rout.

Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds raised his hand toward the crowd and pleaded with fans to stop hurling the colorful bracelets on the ice late in the 6-1 blowout. Public address announcer Lou Nolan urged fans to "show some class" during the first wave of band tossing, then told fans the Flyers would be hit with a penalty if people kept throwing the wristbands and garbage.

The Philly fans refused to listen and pelted the ice with the giveaways at seemingly the same rapid rate Washington was scoring goals; the Capitals had four in the third period.

The Flyers were hit with a bench minor for delay of game.

Nolan said, "Way to go," after the Flyers were whistled for the penalty. Fans cheered as if they were proud of the penalty.

"I know they're upset in that situation, but that can't happen," Simmonds said.

The fans began throwing the wristbands after Flyers right wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare was ejected for a hit on Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov. Bellemare was given a five-minute major and game misconduct for the hit from behind, and he could face league discipline. Orlov was smacked by a flying bracelet while he was being tended to on the bench.

The incident and loss marred the celebration for Flyers founder Ed Snider, who died last week after a two-year battle with cancer. The team was honoring Snider in its first home game since his death and has dedicated its postseason run to him.

The Capitals lead the series 3-0. Game 4 will be Wednesday in Philadelphia.

Last month, the Florida Panthers were penalized twice in a win over the New Jersey Devils because fans threw toy rats on the ice despite warnings not to do so.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.