Pierre-Edouard Bellemare awards Player of the Game to France’s goalie

(Kate Frese/Sports Talk Philly)

By Rob Riches, Sports Talk Philly contributor 

History was made Sunday at the IIHF World Championships, as France recorded a win against Finland for the first time in the tournament's 81-year existence. 

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare was a stalwart player in the 5-1 upset, scoring the opening goal and assisting on Antoine Roussel's tally (which eventually stood as the game-winner). He was awarded as the Player of the Game, but according to him, it was egregiously undeserved. 

Goalie Florian Hardy stood on his head, with 42 saves on 43 shots. As Bellemare skated to collect the award, he insisted Hardy take his place.

Pierre-Édouard Bellemare rejects player of the game and makes them give it to the France goalie. Awesome. #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/0PZcDXRim2

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) May 7, 2017

An excellent move on Bellemare's part. He's established himself as one of the friendlier personalities in the dressing room during his three years with the Flyers, and was named an alternate captain this season. It's no coincidence he's wearing the "A" on his France sweater, too.

Bellemare also established that he "had nothing to do up there," according to NHL.com's Aaron Vickers. 

Full Bellemare quote on giving his #IIHFWorlds 'Player of the Game' award to Hardy, who finished with 42 saves in France's win: pic.twitter.com/xkqaOri42W

— Aaron Vickers (@AAVickers) May 7, 2017

Through two games on France's top line, Bellemare just has that goal and assist. With a 1-1 record so far, France next takes the ice on Tuesday against Switzerland.

Between this and Radko Gudas' punch on Claude Giroux on Friday, the Flyers are certainly leaving quite the stamp on this year's World Championships.