Koci Fined, Not Suspended
A pair of National Hockey League disciplinary hearings has resulted in fines, but not suspensions. ... David Koci of the Colorado Avalanche has been fined for his hit on Washington Capitals defenceman Mike Green, while Ottawa Senators winger Jarkko Ruutu has been fined for his hit on Buffalo Sabres' Patrick Kaleta. ... Koci, who averages 3 minutes 7 seconds of ice time per game, lined up Green and delivered a shoulder in between the neck and shoulder blade area of Green's jersey. Green did not see Koci coming and his visor smashed into the seamless glass at Pepsi Center.
- TSN
7 months ago
J.P.
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Gee, what a surprise.
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 17, 2009 6:59 PM EST reply actions
I’m legitimately surprised. They had a chance to make an example of a guy no one would miss and instead sent a message that there’s a place in the League for guys who make plays like that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 17, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Especially as all of Colorado was expecting a suspension. What a mixed message to be sending. I guess Bruce should have kept Green out of practice and said he was too hurt to play.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Seconded. I honestly thought 5 games was what he’d get. There is zero justification or mitigating factors on that hit. I’m not sure how the fuck the NHL came to this conclusion.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 17, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
make an example of a guy no one would miss
I don’t think that is going to make people stand up and take notice (obviously). If anything it may have the opposite effect. “They gave him 10 games because he is a nobody that plays 3 min/game” says Pronger to himself.
It doesn’t do any good to reprimand the elite players like Ovechkin because he basically threatens to be “more angry”. Anyway… it’s a conundrum.
My reason for being here in the first place (after the excruciating 1-day waiting period… I mean wow, I needed a gun right away) was to respond to a quote of mine taken from MHH.
DVR’d it. Saw the box score. FFWD to Koci incident. Smile. FFWD to Galliardi Goal. Delete.
First of all I took no pleasure in Green being hit from behind and him being injured. I am glad he is doing good. The last thing I want to do is make MHH look bad too. Take everything I say with a teaspoon of warm salty liquid… Yes. Salt water is easier to swallow than the grains. Unfortunately my posting motto is much like Gretzky’s shooting motto: “The only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask.”
Yeah… I will probably wish I could delete this post later too…
Hope that clears things up!
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 17, 2009 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t worry, we get it. You’re an idiot.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
by CapsFan2020 on Dec 17, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry, a two-faced idiot.
I’m beginning to like this Koci guy.
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 17, 2009 6:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
by CapsFan2020 on Dec 17, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
How could you read what I just posted and get all hurt? C’mon… lighten up. It’s the internet for crying out loud.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 17, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, I called you an idiot and then I thought well maybe that was a bit harsh so I went to your team’s blog to read what else you had posted on the subject and found the comment above. Hurt? That’s definitely not what I would call it. Simply put, I can’t stand hypocrisy. You come over here to try to explain your initial comment about being happy after seeing the Koci hit and then you post in your blog how you are starting to like Koci. You can’t have it both ways. If you are doing it just so that you don’t make MHH look bad, don’t bother. Your own host came over here and said that your comment is " NOT indicative of the editorial stance of MHH nor the general consensus of MHH members" and so did a lot of others here. If your excuse is that it’s the Internet so it doesn’t really matter what you say then that’s your problem but being sincere in your comments and opinions no matter how misguided will usually earn you more respect.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
And I’m sure you cover your face in disgust when Ovechkin scores a goal. Hypocrisy? Really? I came to apologize for what I admitted as a tasteless post. But I am not going to apologize for liking Koci. And I am beginning to like him more just for the fact that Avs fans are throwing him under our wheeless bus.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 18, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
why would anybody cover their face in disgust when Ovie scores a goal?
The apology was a nice gesture by the way, but I don’t think anybody was going to assume all Mile High readers were of the same mindset.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 18, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Forgive and forget.
"It's like water. You want to drink it. You will drink it."
by Steck It Out on Dec 18, 2009 2:42 AM EST up reply actions
I’m fine with this (HA!).
I’m a little surprised that AO can draw blood on a boarding call and get 2 games (to rest his knee) but Koci pretty much does the same and gets nothing. On the other hand, it wasn’t like he came in, left his feet, and drove his head in with an elbow.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
I also disagreed with no punishment for Brad Richards, who not only hit to the head, but did it from the blind side. He should have gotten a 10-spot given he finished Booth for the year (me thinks).
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Mike Richards.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 18, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
I’m completely shocked. Everyone who has written even a mention of the event expected a suspension. Completely ridiculous.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 18, 2009 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
But...we're cracking down on headshots!
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
It’s a schooner!
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 17, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
A schooner IS a sailboat, stupid head!
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 17, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions
What a joke. Absolute joke.
Ruutu’s was the definition of “targeting the head.”
Koci’s needs no explanation.
Absurd.
Agreed. Ruutu most definitely aimed to get all dome. Koci had plenty of time to not make that hit; Green didn’t turn last minute to put himself in that spot. Koci had a great view of “52” the whole way in.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 17, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
It’s sad to say, but it’s going to go on until a Malkin, Crosby, Ovechkin, Iginla, Datsyuk, etc. go down with a serious injury.
This is why I think a hit like this one needs to be heavily suspended. They need to start setting examples before more serious injuries occur.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 7:34 PM EST up reply actions
Right. Dubinsky absolutely railed Green from behind in the playoffs last year but Green got up, so no punishment. It was one of the worst hits I’ve seen in recent history.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 17, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
Colon Campbell is a complete fucking joke. I’m curious how they justify this decision.
The best way to improve the NHL is to get rid of Colon and find someone who know what the hell they’re doing.
Will need to go watch the Ruutu hit. Considering who’s involved, I’m guaranteed to end up infuriated and hoping that Ruutu finds his way out of the league by some means.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 7:24 PM EST reply actions
Might be worth listening to the XM channel tomorrow.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Can I listen online? Link?
Or a recap possibly?
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
Go to xmradio.ca and sign up for a trial account. Use the code XMCA7 or XMCA14 for an extended trial. It’s a no BS free trial.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I missed the interview, or justification, or piece that I should have listened to. What was said?
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t understand how Ruutu doesn’t get suspended considering that jerk’s history. I also like his “what did I do?” face. He’s on par with avery in terms of being a complete joke.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions
How’s it different from your pet name for Crosby?
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 7:35 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
A nickname unrelated to the guy’s actual name and that describes his typical on-ice behavior (boy does it…) is a little different than mocking someone’s first name playground-style because it sounds like an organ.
Are you suggesting Colin Campbell is not full of shit?
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 17, 2009 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
This too.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
Both are form of petty mocking. Semantically, they’re different. But really, they’re not. In the end they are both petty, minor, insults to show displeasure with someone. I’m just not the one on the soapbox trying to be holier than thou about it.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Unbe-effing-lieavable!
If I didn’t already know that Colin Cambell is a joke, I wouldn’t believe it.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 18, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
I know BB refused to comment, but I’d like to hear how he and GMGM really felt, but if he said that he’d probably get fined by the league. League office don’t take too kindly to criticism.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 17, 2009 7:31 PM EST reply actions
I have to wonder if the result would have been the same had Colorado had a game tonight…if a decision had been necessary before it was clear that Green is fine.
The inconsistency renders the entire NHL a fucking joke.
This.
The fact that they base suspensions and/or fines on if the victim of the shot is hurt or not doesn’t say much for the league. They need to just lay out a rule that says “If you do [insert penalty] you get suspended X amount of games” And it should apply to everyone and not be a case by case basis.
Except… they don’t.
Ovechkin’s “kneeing victim” wasn’t injured, but Ovi got two games. And he was the one who got hurt!
Totally agreed on “if you do , you get for having done it,” and I’d add that I would also fine the team and the coach for repeat offenders. That adds up real fast, and guys don’t like being hit in the wallet.
They most certainly do take into account injury. There can be a suspension with no injury, but it’s more likely that there will be a suspension with injury. They’ve flat out stated that they take into account injury to the victim (not that that means much).
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
Then why did Ovechkin get two games when his victim was NOT injured, and Koci get zero games when his victim WAS?
It doesn’t make sense, and it’s a double standard.
Because Campbell sucks at his job.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
Also, Green was hardly injured, a cut and a black eye.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
Green didn’t return to the game. Gleason did.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 17, 2009 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
The Caps-Avs game was also a rout. The Canes game wasn’t.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
Ovechkin had also just received his 2nd game misconduct in 3 games. It’s difficult to ignore that.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions
I have posted several places about it, but if any player in the NHL got 2 game misconducts on intent to injure plays, I’d scream for a suspension regardless of who it was. It happened to be Ovechkin, they happened to be Borderline, but I’m not seeing a double standard.
I am seeing a “lol boarding’s ok, tools” out of it, though.
My silver lining, we likely won’t see the Avs again, so whatever.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
so whatever
The question is how other goons are going to behave if they see such “punishment.” If it’s ok to blood Green, then they wouldn’t hesitate to do the same to Ovechkin, especially since he’s worse than Koci according to Campbell.
I’m not excusing the lack of suspension. In fact, I think it’s really dumb. I was more responding to this and the lower comment “Trying to find a silver lining in this.”
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 17, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
Yes it is, but…
I wonder what would have happened to Koci if his victim had been someone other than the Caps’ wild Canadian badboy…
by IRockTheRed on Dec 17, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
No, it simply means that there wasn’t an automatic suspension. It would be foolish to ignore that when they put so much emphasis on history and past transgressions, and rightly or wrongly, that qualifies.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 17, 2009 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I am completely shocked! Even if Green will not miss a game, he still had to get stitches……. Koci needs to be held accountable for what he did. He most certainly had time to pull up or redirect his own path….
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Dec 17, 2009 8:56 PM EST reply actions
Balderdash
Q: Your rival, Sidney Crosby: dislike him?
Ovechkin: "I love him."
Q: You send him cards on his birthday?
Ovechkin: "I send him cards every day."
by Marshall Pirate on Dec 17, 2009 9:14 PM EST reply actions
I just hope this makes the Caps as pissed off as it makes most of us. More fuel for the us against the world thing.
Im grasping for a silver lining here because otherwise this decision does absolutely no good for the game. There is simply no justification here. Its just wrong in every way.
by Kolzilla on Dec 17, 2009 9:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
and it just keeps on comin
guy the unfortunate fact is that someone will have to either get killed or have a HoF career cut short due to hits like this. over on pensburgh we have talked at length about what hockey is and isnt and how it has evolved fromn the shenaigans that occured in the 70’s (except in philladelphia) and largely stayed in the 70’s.
it will also have to be a big big name star. green is a rising star, but it will take a toews, crosby, ovie, malkin, or someone like that.
" Lord Stanley, scratch thier names on your fabled cup" Mike Lange june 12, 2009
by oldtimehockey09 on Dec 18, 2009 12:04 AM EST reply actions
Hit me
Going going gone
Now I dialed Colin Campbell ‘bout a game ago
Don’t you see how lame he’s reactin’
He only suspend a man when he wanna
So get the doc and call the trainer
He don’t care ‘cause the league gets paid anyway
They teach ya like an ace they can’t be betrayed
I know you stumble with no use people
If your career is on the line they don’t care today
Head shots, bring out the’ stretcher
So get up get, get get down
NHL is a joke in yo town
Get up, get, get, get down
Colin Campbell wears the fool’s crown
NHL is a joke
Everyday he don’t never come correct
You can ask my man right here with the broken neck
He’s a witness to the job never bein’ done
Man who hit him begged for suspension
Was a joke ‘cause they always jokin’
Won’t get serious till Crosby gets broken
What are they thinking in Toronto?
NHL is a joke we don’t want ‘em
I call Don Cherry ’cuz Cherry’s more consistent
The headhunters getting more insistent
The reason that I say that ‘cause they
Hitt you how they please
They be laughin’ at ya while you’re crawlin’ on your knees
And to the strength so go the length
Thinkin’ you are first when you really are tenth
You better wake up and smell the real flavor
Cause Colin Campbell is a fake life saver
So get up, get, get get down
NHL is a joke in yo town
Get up, get, get, get down
Colin Campbell wears the fool’s crown
Ow, ow NHL is a joke
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 18, 2009 1:13 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 18, 2009 8:16 AM EST up reply actions
All bias aside
this was a 1-2 game suspension given the circumstances. I think they held back in the wake of all the “double standard” talk concerning Ovie. This PROVES they are fair minded and don’t play favorites with superstars. Great.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Dec 18, 2009 1:39 AM EST reply actions
your username has the potential for a great avatar.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 18, 2009 6:48 AM EST up reply actions
Eh, I’m not too bummed about this. He seemed legitimately sorry afterwards, unlike a certain Flyers player.
"My face is my mask."
Doesn’t matter if he’s sorry of not, he’s gotta pay the price. If you choose to do nothing, you’re basically stepping aside as far as these hits go. They’re dangerous, and no matter how remorseful one may be, they must be kept out of the game at all costs.
"It's like water. You want to drink it. You will drink it."
by Steck It Out on Dec 18, 2009 2:44 AM EST up reply actions
Well, now we know where the league stands on head shots. As a matter of demonstrable fact, they don’t care. Quite the contrary. Between highlights on sports shows in two countries and uploading videos on YouTube, the Green and Kaleta hits have given the league a lot of exposure, and as the old saying goes, there is no such thing as bad publicity, just don’t spell the names wrong.
Whatever commentary comes out of the league office claiming to be concerned over the frequency of such instances can — and should — be met with simple shouts of “LIAR!” If two guys can garner ratings pummeling each other in an “ultimate” fight, what’s a couple of head shots — with the videos of players crumpled to the ice or taken off on stretchers — on SportsCenter worth to the NHL?
The NFL could have gone in this direction. They could have taken up the “football players are tough” mantra and permitted the sort of clothesline tackles, horse collaring, knee cuts, and head shots that you can find in a lot of highlights on from the 1950’s and 1960’s. They didn’t. They preferred to protect their assets, yet the game remains a “tough man’s” sport. Hockey seems a little too wedded to the black-and-white era of the sport, where guys get knocked woozy, then come out for the next shift.
Well, the game is very different from that black-and-white era. These aren’t 5’10", 170 pound tough guys (Maurice Richard, for example), these are guys who are 6’2", 220 and wear protective equipment made of materials that you might find on nose cones on missles. Physics argues that this is a different game — larger men, skating faster in the same confined space makes for more energetic collisions. Trouble is, physiology argues that head shots aren’t any less serious for hockey players than they are for you or me. And that’s before you get to the illegal stuff for which Koci and Ruutu were given slaps on the wrist. The league has decided to ignore that fact.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 18, 2009 7:33 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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