Mike Green Suspended Three Games
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2010 12:02 PM EST
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PrintPer Bob McKenzie, Mike Green has been suspended for three games for his hit on Michael Frolik.
Here's a look at the hit and some of the discussion of it from TSN:
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wheel of justice strikes again
Unreal. Last night was like the BJ’s game where Ken Hitchcock essentially admitted that his players were taking runs at Ovechkin, Green, etc. on his orders. From the opening faceoff, the Panthers were gunning for Green. It was only surprising that he waited until near the end of the second to finally retaliate.
Well, Green has demonstrated in the past that it can be an effective way to throw him off his game.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jan 30, 2010 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
He’s also shown from time to time that he starts playing like a physically challenged Ovie in that situation.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 30, 2010 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing the Panthers did to Green was illegal. And the CBJ only admitted what everyone else does. I don’t see the problem with either, and I certainly don’t see how it justifies what Green did.
But the suspension is still ridiculous.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
I wish there was another camera angle.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jan 30, 2010 12:07 PM EST reply actions
Thre was a great camera angle shown during CSN Post Game Live with Koken/May, one that was not shown during the game broadcast – it was ice level, far side and along the blue line where the hit took place. I usually DVR the post game in addition to the game, in the event the game spills over or goes to OT. But once the game ended on time, I canceled. Bummer. Will not happen again.
Did it change your take on the play at all?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
CSN Cross-Ice Angle ...
During the pre-game CSN broadcast for today’s Caps vs Bolts game, Joe B and Locker quickly reviewed the hit and featured the other cross ice angle of the replay. I’ve posted a Fanshot.
I keep looking at this, and now I’m wondering … doesn’t look like he was leading with forearm, maybe elbow, but it almost seems he was leading with shoulder but struck with back of arm – the triceps area. I don’t know for sure, and I’ve tried stepping through frame-by-frame, hard to tell. You guys be the judge.
As much as I hate to admit, he deserves it. If roles were reversed we’d be outraged, and that’s the bottom line.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
Well said Mr. Suave.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I think he deserved something. But he has no disciplinary history, right? Three games seems high. And, worst, it’s inconsistent with the judgements on similar incidents by other players. That’s what’s always so outrageous.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
fair point, but what about kulikov?
Fight For Old D.C. Admin
Love my Hokies, Caps, Redskins, Wizards and Nats.
Kulikov’s hit was a good hit with incidental knee contact.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 30, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Still, the wheel of justice tends to be swayed by injury, and green was in major payne. Just sayin that it’s affected many-a decision before.
Fight For Old D.C. Admin
Love my Hokies, Caps, Redskins, Wizards and Nats.
But it’s not swayed by injury when it’s a completely clean hit, only when it’s dirty to begin with.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
(if anyone cares, this comment went in the wrong place — yay SBN)
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
heh
You mean ‘yay you’ ;)
The comment goes where you tell it to go.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jan 30, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nope. Not trying to step on anyone’s toes here, but I’m one hundred percent positive I had this elsewhere.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
I’m just yanking your chain. It happens to me too but I can delete my mistakes.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I think it’s “resplendent chemise”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Ooops, that was supposed to be in the “Leonard Cohen lyrics” thread
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It’s weird, I rec’d it, but if that means I’m making Leonard Cohen famous, then I could be collapsing the universe.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve seen him three times and am wearing an LC shirt right now by pure coincidence. Yay!
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. I didn’t realize how bad this was during the game last night – it was a really dirty elbow. I’d be livid if the roles were reversed. 3 games seems like a lot for a first-timer, but only because the NHL’s disciplinary rulings are so inconsistent.
Frankly, just like with Ovie, I’m glad he’ll have a little bit of time to rest that knee.
Can you honestly say he wasn’t leading with his elbow? I’ll admit three games is a little much for a non-injury, though.
Tic Tac Toe Hockey -- Original Caps Photography For Those With Significantly Compromised Standards
TTT Photo -- More Of The Same
by turnituptoeleven on Jan 30, 2010 12:08 PM EST reply actions
I’m perfectly fine with three games. It was an awful hit.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Roger that. Although I though for a first time offender it would be more like one or two. A tad excessive.
by bilspacecadet on Jan 30, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Agree in some ways. One or two is fair for a first-time offender. Three exceeds anything dealt this season for a similar hit, though. Two I can accept. Three is excessive.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Yeah, three is a game or two heavy in my opinion, but I just can’t rally much outrage over one or two extra games, especially when maybe just maybe it signals that the League is getting serious about headshots, which is a good thing.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree, three seems a bit more than I would have done, but it’s gotta be about a message. I know they have been inconsistent to this point, and thats frustrating. But, if this is about message sending, and protecting players, then I expect greater consistency on this issue from here on out. I guess it starts somewhere, but if they waffle from here, then I’ll be even more pissed.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
by VaMedic on Jan 30, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
How about this: the league added an extra game since Green was likely to sit on Sunday anyways. Sounds reasonable to me.
Possible, but I’d hate for them to take that sort of thing into account. I’m assuming suspension affects pay of the player. To say that it’s not a penalty/message if the player would have sat injured and on the payroll anyway…doesn’t carry water for me. Is that correct, suspension means hit to paycheck?
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
They didn’t do that with AO, and it was much more likely that AO was going to miss time with his knee than Green was.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Or is Green the malificiary of the fact that Ovi was suspended for games he wouldn’t have played anyway? So the NHL wants to punish the Caps by talking Green out for a game he would probably be physically ready to play in.
Then again, Green would not be playing tomorrow anyhow. And would probably be iffy for the games on the upcoming road trip. He may need the rest, given that he tends to come back from injuries too soon.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Agreed
The NHL is the lead which all of North American hockey follows. With the two-line pass rule gone, the game is faster than its ever been, and the players need to respect their opponents. Greenie’s hit was a dangerous play on a guy away from the puck. That kind of play shouldn’t be tolerated.
Now, 3 games is a little steep, but this is a suspension doled out in the wake of the Cormier suspension. The NHL needs to understand (and perhaps the stiff suspension on Green reflects this) that they set the tone for all of hockey, and dirty hits can’t be tolerated. The Koci hit last month, the Richards’ hit earlier this season, they need to be taken out of the game before someone gets killed, and the only way players are going to get the message is by penalizing those plays severely.
Greenie knew it was a stupid, reckless play. Hopefully he uses the time off to rest up, get healthy, and comes back stronger and smarter than he was last night. Hopefully the NHL will enforce the standard that they applied here consistently going forward.
by iwearstripes on Jan 30, 2010 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
If this is a dawn of a new era, then I’ll be fine. But it’s not. Before the playoffs we’ll see another bad hit go unpunished, and in the playoffs it will be another free-for-all with punishment doled out by a Justice O’Connor balancing test that has zero predictive value and thus no value to guide behavior. Joke.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
he deserved punishment, but with Gonchar getting nothing, Koci getting nothing, it just seems bizarre and “shockingly” inconsistent. I expected two games, so 3 isn’t terribly excessive
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 Jan 30, 2010 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
(should have continued reading other replies)
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 Jan 30, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
I would have to agree. While three games may seem a bit excessive in light of Greene’s history, i really can’t muster much outrage. That hit was dirty and Green most certainly should have known better. It was just dumb. Thankfully Frolik wasn’t injured on the play, which is lucky for Green. I wouldn’t get my hopes up about the league getting serious with headshots, however. That would require consistency. A word I still doubt Campbell has ever looked up in the dictionary.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
The frustrating thing is that it’s not consistent. Guarantee there will be a similar hit in the next month that doesn’t result in a suspension.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I hope not. I hope hits like Gonchar’s and Koci’s get suspended as well from now on.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
I hope I’m wrong too but there’s not much giving me that hope.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
We just have to wait and see but if they decided to make an example out of Green on this one then they better star suspending all players for elbows/hits to the head from now on regardless of whether the other player is hurt or not. Now they can’t just let players get away with hits to the head and then come out and say that the player didn’t deserve to be suspended based on past history or because he was hit hard right before etc like they did to explain why Gonchar was not suspended.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Unfortunately, you’re probably right. Since Cormier’s so ever present in the news, they’re bending over backwards to send messages to players by issuing longer suspensions.
In another 2 months, Cormier is old news and a similar hit will merit only a 1 game suspension.
NHL discipline is like “Wheel of Fortune” or “Russian Roulette”. Or will next year’s system be based on the game of Craps.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I agree in a vacuum. But when Koci, Ruutu, and Gonchar all get off scott free for their equally awful shots (and two of those three were clear head shots) three games to Green seems pretty overboard.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 30, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
He gets three games for a play where he only got two minutes. Great.
I’ll accept the big hammer for an unintentional elbow (and I’ll believe it wasn’t intentional rather than consider Greenie a liar) when the guy who went knee-on-knee with Green gets three games for his unintentional hit. Otherwise, it looks like the league is just gunning for the Capitals.
The knee-knee hit was unintentional. There’s no way for what happened not to involve both players knees leading. The only other way is if one of them decided to lower their head and spear the other — no matter what, their knees were in front of their bodies on that play.
And Greenie turned into the hit, too. If he hadn’t turned they just would have got tangled up with no knee-on-knee action.
I agree with you, except we said the same thing about Ovie’s knee-on-knee and he drew a suspension. I’d like to see some consistency from the league (see also, Gonchar’s forearm shot not that long ago).
I’m not saying that Ovie’s suspension was fair at all. This league has shown it’s inconsistencies in the past, so I never expect them to be consistent in their discipline.
How did Koci get away with no suspension for his hit on Green? Or, for that matter, Richards for his hit on Richards?
I’m not the best judge of things but ……..
Rocking the Red since 1975
It’s almost as if the league’s inconsistent on these sort of things…
by David Getz on Jan 30, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
We should maybe add some more steps to the disciplinary flow chart.
1) If the hitter is on the Washington Capitals, add two games to the possible suspension. (This is to make an example of them, due to Ovi.)
2) If the hittee is a Cap, suspend the suspension.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Bugger that. Green’s hit was bad, dangerous, flagrant, and deliberate (at least it looked that way to me). He deserved a suspension, and he got it.
So did Koci and he didn’t, but for that matter, so did Gonch and he didn’t.
It’s not all about screwing the Caps.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Jan 30, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Bugger that. Green’s hit was bad, dangerous, flagrant, and deliberate (at least it looked that way to me). He deserved a suspension, and he got it.
So did Koci and he didn’t, but for that matter, so did Gonch and he didn’t.
Bingo. Green deserves a suspension and he got one. Ovechkin deserved a suspension and he got one. Koci deserved a suspension and he didn’t. That’s way too little to call conspiracy theory.
Tin-foil hat much?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
CapsFan75, best explanation of NHL discipline I ever read.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
The NHL disciplinary system seems more than a little bit capricious here, regardless of whether there is any anti-Caps bias or not.
Seriously, should the disciplinary flow chart be updated anyhow, for more recent events?
Rocking the Red since 1975
If this was the case, Carcillo would have not been suspended for decking Brads. He was. Greenie’s elbow was unecessary recless and flagrant. Suspension warranted. No conspiracy issue.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 30, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
The Richards hit was “legal” within the parameters of the rules as currently written. That distinguishes it from the Green hit last night, which was outside of the rules.
The Koci hit deserved a suspension, imo. The NHL discipline is inconsistent, but piling up bad decisions based on precedent is worse than being inconsistent imo.
I think BP had it best – imagine if, say, Chimmer had run Ballard, and then Ballard slammed his elbow in to Semin’s head and knocked him silly. We’d (specifically, I’d) be calling for his suspension.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Jan 30, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The NHL discipline is inconsistent, but piling up bad decisions based on precedent is worse than being inconsistent imo.
Well said. I’d rather have them get five right and five wrong than get ‘em all wrong because they’re moving forward with a bad precedent.
Disagree on all counts.
The in-game discipline and supplementary discipline have little to do with one another, as do the disciplinary actions taken or not taken on two separate hits.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But wouldn’t you like to see teams benefit on-ice from these types of situations?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
No question – I thought it should’ve been five and a game at the time. But just b/c last night’s bozos got it wrong shouldn’t impact that Colin Campbell’s crew does on review.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If it had been five and a game — which was probably warranted — would you have thought there should also be a suspension? I’d vote no in that case, although I agree with your general premise: what the refs call on ice is about that game, but what the league disciplinarian does is about curbing future behavior game-wide.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. I think it was a suspension-worthy hit, irrespective of how it was handled during the game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But as BP has been pointing out, the call on the ice does matter. Seemingly a lot. Ridiculous. There is literally no way Gooch can be let off and Green gets 3 games. It’s bullshit.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
five and a Game
woulda saved his knee. He’s probably DTD anyway so three games means he should be fully healed upon his return. Hopefully.
Obstreperously Avatarless
Don’t disagree with this part, but while disciplinary actions taken or not taken on separate hits currently have little to do with one another, they definitely shouldn’t. If Green’s hit last night warrants a suspension (and I agree that it does), then Richard’s hit on Booth does, too. Not necessarily the same length suspension, though. Basically there should be zero-tolerance for hits to the head, elbow, shoulder or otherwise.
He gets three games for a play where he only got two minutes. Great.
But that’s irrelevant. The on ice call and the off ice discipline are separate issues.
I’ll accept the big hammer for an unintentional elbow (and I’ll believe it wasn’t intentional rather than consider Greenie a liar) when the guy who went knee-on-knee with Green gets three games for his unintentional hit.
I find it hard to believe that elbow’s unintentional, and much more likely Green was engaging damage control.
The knee-on-knee aspect was part of a clean hit.
I find it hard to believe that elbow’s unintentional, and much more likely Green was engaging damage control.
Bingo. He had the chicken wing stuck out there well before contact, and the fact that it came directly on the heels of being drilled adds weight to the theory that it was deliberate.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
“I didn’t mean to get called for elbowing; I just meant to throw the kitchener sink @ the next cat who gave me a chance and my elbow got there first!”
Be Reasonable!
I think we can all agree that Greenie did not intend to get caught.
by redlineblue on Jan 30, 2010 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You should punish the action, not the result.
Just touched that up for you. I think the result of a questionable hit often figures into NHL’s disciplinary calculations. (e.g. How many games does Brashear get if ice is softer than orbital bones? Why do you serve 2 more minutes for hi-sticking Paperface Bradley than for doing the exact same thing to Leatherneck Ovechkin?)
You should punish the action, not the result.
Just touched that up for you. I think the result of a questionable hit often figures into NHL’s disciplinary calculations. (e.g. How many games does Brashear get if ice is softer than orbital bones? Why do you serve 2 more minutes for hi-sticking Paperface Bradley than for doing the exact same thing to Leatherneck Ovechkin?)
It's excessive to me.
Two games? Sure. Three? No.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I’d be more ok with it if Gonchar got anything for his flying forearm strike from a few weeks ago. The inconsistency of this shit is maddening.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Exactly. I don’t see how that gets three when Gonch gets nothing.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
At some point we have to come to grips with the reality that precedent is absolutely meaningless to the League. It’s frustrating – maddening, even – but it’s apparently standard operating procedure.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I can’t disagree much, but it’s worth trying to push the league into some consistency. Just not at the risk of our sanity. ;)
It would be OK if they’d explain why. For instance “in light of the Cormier hit and an overall desire to crack down on headshots, we’re doling out stiffer penalties than we have in the past.” I think you’re much more likely to create an effective deterrent if the consequences for dirty hits are made clear.
There’s an awful lot to be said for that. It would keep fan outcries to a minimum as well.
"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."
Maybe, maybe not. If you make the process more transparent, it gives people more concrete ammo to come at you with.
You mean there isn’t enough already?
"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."
No, because now the NHL can basically say “We make the decisions and our process is ours”. If you start saying “Well it’s X number of games for a headshot and Y number of games for an after the whistle play and Z number of games for this and that” people are going to try and turn it in to a concrete formula, which it shouldn’t be.
I understand your poiint. My point is that based on what you say, the league essentially is in a no-win situation. Not saying anything generates conspiracy theories (we’ve got ‘em). Giving an detailed explanation might not eliminate them, but it has to be clear enough that there’s a understanding of exactly what generated the ruling, i.e. recklessness, retailiatory, etc.
"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."
But when the NFL does a better job explaining their rules and being transparent, then you know the NHL job is doing a fail job.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
This is so true. I’ve been reading through all the comments and I just keep coming back to the NFL disciplinary actions. They seem to have a rather cut and dry approach to punishing their athletes. If you do this, you are fined/suspended that. This doesn’t seem like a hard concept to grasp. Why the NHL doesn’t have something similar is beyond me.
Hate to lose Green like this, and I don’t think his intent was a headshot. I do think he was looking for some payback, was over aggressive and prob out of good professional control. I think (with or without this hit) the NHL has to start protecting against headshots and that’s what we are seeing happen here.
I look at it like hitting the QB’s head in football. It doesn’t matter what your intent…you hit the head, you get the flag. Bottom line in my mind: He led with elbow, wanted some revenge, and intent or not…hit to the head. Sucks it was one of our guys doing it, but for the better goal of a safer NHL…so be it.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
Yes, I agree that the problem isn’t that he’s playing dirty; the problem is that he completely loses his good sense when teams target him physically. That’s got to change.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yeah, Was just discussing this with friends and family. At the risk of sounding old, we have to remember these are mostly early 20-somethings. It’s easy to see them as older than that. Frustration can be a factor at that age. But, as professionals, they gotta reign that in.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
I noted last night that the elbow was the result of the overly-emotional Green that us Caps fans are waaaaaay too familiar with, but had, seemingly, been under decent control this season. not sure why he flipped out quite like that last night.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
He’s sick of being run at, and it is consistently the case with every team we’ve played recently. He’s listed at a height that I think is about two inches taller than he really is, and everybody knows it, and every team gives him a run. He has no enforcer sticking up for him. Yeah, Brads sticks up for Ovi, but no one is sticking up for Greeenie. He gets run by goons like Colton Orr and others recently, and no one sticks up for him. GMGM, address!
He gets run by goons like Colton Orr and others recently, and no one sticks up for him.
Washington instigator – 2 min 14:00, S. Morrisonn
Toronto interference – 2 min 14:00, C. Orr
Washington misconduct – 10 min 14:00, S. Morrisonn
Toronto fighting – 5 min 14:00, C. Orr
Washington fighting – 5 min 14:00, S. Morrisonn
Not saying he doesn't deserve a suspension
But it’s amazing. TSN talking heads get to make the calls. Let’s see what happens with the next guy who makes a questionable hit.
"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."
I don’t buy it in this instance, but you can’t convince me that Darren Dreger wasn’t responsible for the action taken by the league after the Ovie/Peverly slewfoot thing.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I buy it. I doubt he would have gotten 3 games if Ray Ferraro and the others hadn’t made it their cause celebre on TSN.
I feel that way, too. Will the next guy who makes a questionable hit like that get three games? Well, we’ll wait and see.
Three games is more than I expected to see happen. Yes, Green did the wrong thing and deserves to be punished but he does not deserve to be punished more than what is customary.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Pretty much. Of course, call up Carlson (thank God for that extra roster spot) to take his place and see how much it annoys the Canadians. This could be fun.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
They should have phoned up Hershey last night and told Carlson or Alzner (or whoever was being called up) to travel last night, if at all possible, to get here before the snowstorm in the interest of safety.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I expect that for cap reasons the callup will happen tomorrow. This is supposed to end by tonight, so the roads will likely be clear.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
I assume the snow will end later in PA than here. So, it will be a dangerous drive. I would think that it would be useful to have an extra warm body available for our defense for tomorrow.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Are you sure they are not just going to have Sloan play? Three games of Sloan is #waytoomuchSloan.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
I assume Sloan plays tomorrow. And then they call someone up to make the road trip to Boston and NY.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I would assume this is the case. The world won’t end because Sloan plays tomorrow, and there’s no way to traveling on the roads today is a sane choice.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
More like TSN talking heads can see what should be done and for once Colin Campbell gets it mostly right.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jan 30, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Cormier theory
I think it’s steep for a first time offender, he should get something, but three games is a lot. Think Cormier had something to do with this? If that doesn’t happen recently, it might be a different story.
Fight For Old D.C. Admin
Love my Hokies, Caps, Redskins, Wizards and Nats.
Doubt it helped his cause but that is a good thing to point out. People have been made quite aware of the consequences of malicious elbows recently.
Yes. Cormier was a wake-up call and definitely plays a part here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m skeptical. Before Cormier there was Liambas. Before Liambas there was Mike Richards. Before Richards there was Hollweg. Before Hollweg there was Domi. Before Domi there was Pat Quinn. This shit has gone on forever and we are in at least our 3rd season of talking about cracking down on head shots. Maybe Cormier was the straw that broke the camel’s back, but I doubt it. We are just trying to find anything to make sense of this because it makes no sense given the context of other league decisions.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Hey!
That Quinn hit was clean!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
The GMs discussed headshots at their November meeting, if memory serves, so it might have been a factor, but it certainly wasn’t the sole one.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
But haven’t they been having that conversation for a couple of years now? And things are just now starting to seem different.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
They’d been dragging their feet on it for awhile, but at least they’re moving on it a little more than before, even if it was accidental, as Green said it was.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
I guess the test will be seeing what happens to the next guy who aims for the head.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
I thought 1 game and a hefty fine would’ve been justice. This is excessive for a first time offender.
I agree, but to me “suspension or no suspension” is a tougher question than “one game or three.” To paraphrase Winston Churchill, once we’ve established that it’s suspension-worthy, we’re just haggling over price.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think there’s a great joke that paraphrase the great man as well ;)
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Thing is, there’s no such thing as a hefty fine, per the CBA.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Baloney – the 18% escrow is a hefty fine!
/Ovechkin’d
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2010 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
My Baloney has a first name...
It’s O-S-K-A-R…
Nah, Oskar Osala isn’t baloney… there isn’t much baloney in Scandinavian cuisine…
Couldn’t resist… I’ll have a relevant comment below…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2010 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
Koci, a known offender, over 40 fights in his NHL career, delivers a shot to Green’s head from behind.
No suspension.
Green, only one NHL fight, delivers a head shot.
Green gets his first suspension in his career.
Alright gang, I need a laugh here so who wants to tell me that the NHL operates on the level?
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
Koci’s hit, while avoidable and silly, wasn’t a direct head shot.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
There’s no consistency from one decision to another, but this one is the right call.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Exactly. This is why it’s a complete joke. In a vacuum, I could see a suspension for Green’s hit. But not after the NHL has deemed other far-worse crap to be not worthy of a suspension.
Don’t look at what the league has done before, look at it in a vacuum. IT’s what the league does. Searching for consistency will make you insane.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
by Bman21212 on Jan 30, 2010 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A player’s number of career fighting majors has nothing to do how we should view their questionable hits.
by Cluster on Jan 30, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Koci’s hit deserved one, and so did this. They’re the two most dangerous hits in the league right now.. headshots and boarding from behind. I personally think the latter is worse than the former, but I’m okay with giving Green 3 for this.
For the record, I would have given Koci 5 for his.
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Well, we can appreciate the fact that Greener’s forced to rest his leg for a week. It can’t hurt come playoff time…unless he does something stupid like this again.
Fight For Old D.C. Admin
Love my Hokies, Caps, Redskins, Wizards and Nats.
its probably because colin campbell couldnt rule. put some one else in charge and they actually make decisions…just wish it didnt happen to us
LOL
Is this meme really going to live? Every Canadian team in the NHL would kill to have Mike Green.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jan 30, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
…just like they are jealous of Ovechkin… and their jealously leads them to hate AO… so the jealousy of Mike Green makes them hate Mike Green… huzzah!
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Off Topic, sorry
PPP – just saw the news on twitter. Congratulations to Chemmy and his new bride!
IS KEPTIN NOW
Just curious, why are you so interested in this hit and the disciplinary action, anyway?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
Not that we don’t love you or anything.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Yes, sorry, I didn’t mean to sound belligerent or unwelcoming.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
That’s because Richards’ hit wasn’t against the rules of hockey.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
But “if theyre getting serious on headshots” then wheres the suspension? it was clearly an intent to hit him in the head, shoulder or not. Headshot is a headshot right?
But there’s nothing in the NHL rulebook that allows them to suspend a player for a hit that isn’t even against the rules of the game.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Sure there is...
It’s called “intent to injure,” which is a really broad category.
I need a snappy signature...
Not yet, but they’re headed that way.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
It was clearly an intent to hit him in the head
And yet people here are arguing that Green’s was incidental because he said he didn’t mean to hit him in the head despite video proof to the contrary.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
But there’s more that are not.
Contrasted with some other fanbases that I could mention (I specifically exempt the PPP crowd from this comment, I should note).
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I shudder to think what the CI discussion on this topic looks like.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
lol mebe now they will make him wingar b/c he obviously dont kno how too hit
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 30, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I was thinking more of another team from the erstwhile Patrick Division, but yes, the CI comments will be enough to make you bite tinfoil.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
That doesn’t even narrow it down enough.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
if only this were a flyers player..
would’ve loved to have seen marioD’s screenshot breakdown of why the hit was perfectly clean.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 31, 2010 1:14 AM EST up reply actions
You may have a brush that’s a bit to broad here, or I’m just taking something personally that I shouldn’t.
I think Green’s hit was not incidental, and was an intentional elbow, and I’m good with the suspension. I just don’t totally buy the argument that he came over looking for a head shot entirely. And that is based on the video. “proof” is perhaps a bit strong a word, maybe evidence. But even that is subject to discussion. In the end it WAS a head shot, no doubt. But it hardly makes me, or others, a blind homer to see it both ways.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
whoops
Just realised that I didn’t write ‘some’ in there!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
PPP, we are square. Got more coffee, unbunched my panties.
FWIW, I do agree that you can’t justify calling it “incidental”.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
np
I edited it and forgot to add it in. Sounded like “ALL YOU CAPZ FANZ GRRR” without it.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I don’t see a whole lot of that argument here. People are bitching about inconsistency of discipline b/c they’re frustrated that Green got suspended. Anyone arguing that Green’s hit was not intentional and suspendable is deluded.
by mechanicsville on Jan 30, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
To lighten the impact a little
Do you think we see Carlson back tomorrow?
"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."
No: we can’t have Carlson play more than 10 regular-season games this year, or the clock starts ticking on his free agency. He stays down for now.
I believe it’s 30 games, combined playoff and regular season. I think the 10 only applies to junior-age players.
As I read the CBA, an individual who was 18 or 19 at the time of signing his entry level contract is eligible for free agency after “3 years professional experience,” where a year of professional experience is any year in which he plays in 10 or more NHL games. Therefore, as I read the CBA, if Carlson plays 10 games he’s got a year in toward becoming a free agent.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
Varying rule enforcement more dangerous than infractions themselves
The inconsistency from Toronto is rather absurd. Handing Green a 3-game suspension for what seems to be a questionable hit at best after previously giving Gonchar and Richardson nothing for this month’s bad moves is hypocritical at best and isn’t making any statement to prevent cheap hits overall. In fact, I’d argue it enforces the mindset that if you’re going to get suspended, you might as well make it a big and more dangerous hit for the intimidation factor. I see this getting progressively worse before it gets better, possibly snowballing into the ridiculous scope-creep rule set that hits on QB’s in the NFL currently suffers from.
by pcjunkie16 on Jan 30, 2010 12:26 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Don’t blame Toronto! I hear that this decision was made in NYC.
We get enough of being blamed for everything by the rest of Canada. We don’t need Washington jumping in. We might get invaded.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Don’t you mean liberated?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Don’t we already have a Seattle?
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven back to Pittsburgh, and hear the lamentations of Sidney Crosby.
Hey man, we’re all Amerrrrrricans here!
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
No we’re not.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 30, 2010 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
I meant in Seattle.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
I loves me some Seattle.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 30, 2010 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
I do too. Seattle is cool, I need to visit again sometime.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
If you do we’ll have to organize a caps-watching party in a bar somewhere. a few of us are already talking about that for a game or two sometime post-Olympic break.
RB where are you in Canada?
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 6:30 PM EST up reply actions
I live in Toronto, and have lived here or near here most of my life. From 1998-2001 I did live in Kamloops BC and visited Seattle quite a few times. My brother resides on Vancouver Island and if I am ever there visiting when a Caps party is arranged in Seattle, I would love to attend.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 30, 2010 6:42 PM EST up reply actions
Let us know, perhaps that will provide the kick in the ass us Seattle Caps fans need.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 6:44 PM EST up reply actions
Is this for real? My god I feel old…
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
FML. I’m sick of being 19.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I know! Gah!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
That would be the saddest two hours in Canadian history…
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven back to Pittsburgh, and hear the lamentations of Sidney Crosby.
by Holt Worth on Jan 30, 2010 4:17 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I thought that was the two hours when they decided not to take their independence.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
We got it in the most Canadian way: we asked politely.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jan 30, 2010 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Serious question here, when was the last time a player was suspended for something they did to a Cap? I’m trying to remember here but can’t come up with anything. Thanks!
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
The Carcillo sucker punch comes to mind.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks. That was four games and his second one this season (the first one being 2 games).
Any others?
And Torts got into it with fans, not the players on the ice. That wasn’t what I was looking for.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
i wonder
Some people (non-Caps fans, especially) were saying that the Ovechkin suspension was toothless because he was injured and likely would have been out for at least a game anyway.
I wonder if this suspension was made longer “in case” Green was injured enough that if he was going to sit anyway (due to injury), he would still be penalized by sitting longer than the injury would have him out.
I don’t call it totally toothless. Essentially, Ovi was not being paid for his time out with injury. Like being on the Restricted List in baseball. (Guy is put there when getting injured for non-baseball reasons; read that unsanctioned reasons.)
Also, I heard of a case where a guy was suspended for a fight. (Turns out he was in the hospital fighting for his life.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
From what I understand, the real pain to the player in these suspensions is not missing the game. It is missing the paycheck. If a guy is injured (and assuming he is not on injured reserve) he still gets paid. If he is suspended, he does not. So I think it matters a lot to Green that he is suspended, whether he is injured or not. $183,000 is some nice coin.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
You’re $100,000 over. Mike will lose $81K and change. Ovi lost $98K for his two games. That’s almost $200K from Caps’ superstars this season for the NHL emergency fund (I think for retired players, etc.).
That’s a very generous contribution. Thank you Mike and Alex.
IS KEPTIN NOW
This came up when Ovie was suspended. It might be. Depends how the transactions occur. A league fine is not a legally enforceable penalty. It’s a negotiated forced charitable contribution. One of these days I might do a little research to find the correct treatment.
"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."
How do they come up with $81,000? I thought players are paid by the game, so 5,000,000/82 = ~$61,000 per game, X 3 games = $183,000. (I’m not arguing the point, just trying to figure out why my math is wrong.)
I don’t understand, I thought players who don’t play defense don’t hit opposing players on attack…
by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 30, 2010 12:33 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
My thoughts without going through the comments first
in the interest of avoiding group think. But I reserve the right to change my mind if someone ponts out something I hadn’t considered.
This doesn’t bother me. I don’t believe him when he said he didn’t mean to elbow him. He lead with the elbow, clonked him right in the noggin, and it was deliberate and very dangerous.
I thought 2 was appropriate, but 3 doesn’t bother me.
Now on to see what the rest of us think.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Jan 30, 2010 12:34 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Concur. The only thing that bothers me a smidge is the fact that KNOWN offenders rarely get more than two games for just about anything, and the 1st time guy gets 3. But on the whole I’m okay with it. It was a dangerous and careless play.
Suspect the speculation that Green was going to miss a game anyway because of the knee is correct, so they tacked on another game.
Agree that the Wheel of Justice is ridiculous, but I think the league basically got it right. It sucks that Gonch got nothing, that was dumb. Two wrongs, however, don’t blah blah blah.
No biggie.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I agree with pretty much everyone above. Thought 1-2 games would have been fine, but 3 seems harsh, especially when the league has been harsh on some headshot accounts and lackdaisical on others. There HAS to be a discipline level of consistency on hits like these, because they won’t go away as a whole if there is none.
Oh well, it gives Green some more time to recuperate, and I’m guessing we get to see more of Captain America!
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Jan 30, 2010 12:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions
First of all, let me say that, in a bubble, I have no problem with three games for this hit. Have previous questionable hits that went unpunished been even worse than this? Yes, but I’m going to put that aside for a moment.
The real issue raised by this is Colin Campbell’s ability to be objective. YES, I know he recused himself. And, to be honest, if he never recused himself (except for hits that directly involved his son), I wouldn’t have any issues.
HOWEVER, a suspension (or lack of one) for member of say, the New York Rangers, against any other team is much more critical to the Florida Panthers than a suspension that arises from a hit against their team. Florida are squarely on the playoff bubble. IF Colin Campbell is acknowledging that he needs to recuse himself from instances involving the Panthers, he needs to recuse himself from any incident involving Atlanta, Philadelphia, Tampa, the Rangers, Montreal, Boston, or any team that is going to play against Florida or any of those teams during the time when a suspension could potentially be in effect. To be totally honest, he shouldn’t be involved in any Eastern Conference decisions all year long, as well as any WC decisions when the team plays an EC foe soon, but the fact that he can make decisions affecting the teams above is blatantly wrong.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:39 PM EST reply actions
No matter how impartial Colin Campbell is, him ruling on anything is an invitation for questions, especially given how arbitrary the rulings seem to be. The league would do well to ask Campbell to step away from any ruling, east or west.
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
by Sct112 on Jan 30, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed, but I think this is a reasonable starting point.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
No argument on the inconsistency of NHL suspensions (or lack thereof) to date. I do think the Cormier hit and subsequent suspension does have a large influence on the situation. The NHL is finding itself in an embarrassing situation of having to react to a similar, if not quite as flagrant a situation. Had that incident not occurred, it’s likely Green would have gotten a fine, maybe one game only.
The GMs discussed head shots in November and I’m sure McPhee will want to bring the subject up when they meet in the Spring.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
Fine of 81K on top of suspension...
According to SK, 1067thefandc on Twitter…
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
They’re wrong – the $81k is what he forfeits during the three game suspension.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Thanks, I was thinking that when I read it. Knew this crowd would clarify. Okay, goes to my comment above about games off is dollars off, and so should not add games to a player’s suspension if it looks like the player would have sat some/all of the games anyway.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
That’s ridik.
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 30, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
hah thank you for correcting my misinformed statement
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 30, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Sloaner gets a sweater tomorrow. They’ll wait for any Hershey callups ’til Monday. Guess Coach French wants all his D for the game tonight.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Guess Coach French wants all his D for the game tonight.
I hope that’s not the rationale. The Caps shouldn’t be making decisions based on what works for Hershey.
by David Getz on Jan 30, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Of course it’s not – Hershey’s coach doesn’t make organizational personnel decisions.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’ll trust it when it comes from another source.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
I’d probably have preferred the callup, and I don’t mean to be negative on Sloan by saying that. Tampa’s got firepower, and while Sloan’s physicality might be nice in the lineup, I’d rather have the Green replacement.
"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."
What confuses me is, aren’t they down a roster spot? When they sent Alzner down for Holtby, they were at max (23) But then they sent Hotlby down. That means they have an extra spot, no? They can dress 20, meaning that they have to scratch 3. Well, they scrated only two last night (Sloan and Laing).
Why aren’t they filling that last spot?
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
Just because they can doesn’t mean they have to. Can’t hurt to give Sloan a game.
"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."
Well, I know Bruce doesn’t like to sit people, especially young guys. If he wants Sloan to get some playing time anyway, then I agree there is no reason to bring up the 23rd roster spot. Hershey is close enough that guys can get here in pretty short notice (if they are in town). No one else is hurting now.
Geesh when is the last time Lainger played.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
Well, I know Bruce doesn’t like to sit people, especially young guys who aren’t Steve Eminger or Eric Fehr.
by David Getz on Jan 30, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Did Colton Orr get anything for his after-the-whistle, Green-not-looking, stick-to-the-face stunt? not that I remember?
by LangwayWasTheKing on Jan 30, 2010 12:49 PM EST reply actions
David Booth may play tomorrow in his first game since the Richards hit. And do read more of the “On Frozen Pond” blog.
IS KEPTIN NOW
No
And he was pretty lucky.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Good Practice for us to not have Greeny in there. Can we adapt and keep it up?
Deeper, More Skilled, Best Minors Team, with more Cap Room than your team... I can see why you're jealous.
by CapitalDominion on Jan 30, 2010 12:51 PM EST reply actions
the caps will be fine. Our next three games are not that difficult.
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 30, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
Have you seen the last 9 games?
That was a poorly worded, lazy response by me. What I meant to say was that: With the way the caps are playing lately, relative to the teams we are playing, and how they are playing, we can still win comfortably, atleast i believe, without Monsieur Green
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Say what? Two games on the road that care about two points infinitely more than we do, plus an afternoon game against the last team that beat us?
Please.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
I think they’ll be fine. If anything, it might just light a fire under anyone else.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Yeah, I see Bruce using this to fire up the team and not use it as an excuse. This team has shown they can play without any one or two of the key pieces and win. Ask the Penguins.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
It is not missing Green that I am worried about; it is playing with Sloan.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
Maybe you should start a Free Sloan movement. As in free him from the team.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 30, 2010 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Breaking it down...
Someone hit up Clutterbuck and get his thoughts on this one… I know he was quite a bit displeased with Gunch’s hit earlier in the month.
Sure, we have to look at everything in a vacuum, but let’s compare and contrast.
Green gets hit early in his shift (cleanly..)
Gunch gets hit early in his shift (as cleanly as Cluster*uck can deliver)
Green finds different player and exacts his revenge. (Someone refresh my memory if Stillman was still on the ice)
Gunch finds same player to exact his revenge.
Green delivers massive elbow to the head. Player is woozy, but returns to the game.
Gunch delivers flying forearm to the head/back of Cluster*uck. Cluster*uck returns.
Green gets 2 min for elbow.
Gunch gets 5 min major for Interference (that cost his team 5 of the last 7 min to tie the game)
So, per Campbell’s rules from the playoffs last year, because Gunch’s penalty in game hurt his team, he gets zilch. Because Green’s penalty didn’t hurt his team, he gets 3 games.
I don’t buy it. Something clearly changed in the league’s mindset between these two incidents, and I can only point to the Cormier situation. Green’s hit was so very very similar to what Cormier delivered in his game, Green’s just lucky his player wasn’t as severely injured as the Tam kid. This is some clear message sending and as soon as I saw it last night, I knew we’d see something. I didn’t expect 3 games. Maybe it’s a few extra because they may have thought he was hurt. Who knows… but it won’t hurt the Caps, Pothier/Carlson/Poti are more than capable on the PP.
by FFSEnough on Jan 30, 2010 12:57 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
BB:
I better not say nothing.
Charming.
Also BB:
It’s like fighting a ticket [when] you know you’re not doing something wrong, from the police. You can’t argue with them.
Oof. Green screwed up. Admit it.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 1:01 PM EST reply actions
Sticking up for your guy publicly is fine… as long as behind closed doors it’s made perfectly clear that the play was not OK.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, I want my boss to have my back in front of everyone else…even if I get a private chewing after. Good leadership by Bruce.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
By the way, Bruce said “livid about whole thing”. Whole thing could be read to include having a player lose his cool and get himself suspended. Bruce is smart, he may well have picked those words for a reason.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
But he also said the second quote that I posted above.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
I’m feeling like buried in there somewhere is exasperation that Green is consistently targeted on the ice and nothing happens to anyone. Not specifically last night, it’s just a recurring theme. Green’s just going to have to figure out how to deal with it without doing something stupid.
"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."
I want to say something along the lines of “the compressed Olympic schedule is partially to blame as the players (especially MG, who gets run. A lot.) don’t have sufficient recovery time between games”, but the I realize they are professionals and this is what’s expected of them.
I will also note that a Minnesota Wild player (Burns, IIRC) has just decided to go with the Messier M-11 helmet (better known as the Bradley Bucket), and maybe Mike should consider it.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Mike got a little bit of a lashing in the post-game presser last night, although it was in regards to the hit that sidelined him the rest of the game. I gotta think that when Bruce specifically uses “careless” when discussing Green, it’s not a mistake.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
Yeah, this is about right
#NeedsMoreBradley
by Addison H. on Jan 30, 2010 1:05 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Any possibility Green might use this as a “learning experience,” and come out of it with fewer defensive lapses and a little more maturity?
Ha!
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
by Sct112 on Jan 30, 2010 1:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t see this having anything to do with defensive lapses. The only thing I see that he might use as a learning experience is staying cool when he gets targeted instead of getting upset. Of course, I’d like to see the team start taking numbers when he gets targeted, too.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Bleep.
Sometimes 52 responds well to getting drilled: I believe the Flyers made him Productively Angry earlier this season, for example. But yesterday he plain old lost his cool. I think Semin’s o-zone crosscheck was much more ‘defensible’, in the Caps HeadTrip Sweepstakes, than Green’s obvious, dangerous headshot.
I get tinhatty about how the Caps are treated sometimes, but this one’s easy: if Joe Shlabotnik laid that hit on your least favorite Caps player, you’d want 5, a game, and a turn at the wheel
I was in finals all day yesterday, did Green himself get injured in the game?
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Yes, but he supposedly would’ve come back Sunday. It looked terrible at the time and was then officially referred to as just a thigh bruise.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
He actually came back onto the bench in the third, but it looked like the trainers just told him to go back to the locker room. He was walking with a slight limp, but I’m sure they thought “better safe than sorry”
ughh. If anything i guess the suspension gives him a bit of rest
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
I honestly wouldn’t want him to play slightly banged up. I would rather have a healthy Green in this year’s playoffs.
I’m just mad that I’m going to my first away game and won’t get to see Greenie. I’ll wear my 52 jersey in silent support.
Scary thought. Will that be how our first round playoff opponent play us? Target Green and hope he does something suspension worthy. Especially if it’s Florida or Tampa Bay?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Well… every team targets him already, as Yosh said. FLA and TBL are not going to make the playoffs. And it’s damn near impossible for a guy with any skill to get suspended in the playoffs. So he’s got that going for him.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2010 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
At the moment, Tampa Bay is #8 in the playoff standings. There is very little difference at the moment among the Flyers, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Rangers, Florida, Montreal, Islanders, and Bruins. Only 3 points separate that whole group from one another.
So there is the real possibility that we could see either Florida, Tampa Bay or both in the playoffs.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Yeah, the possibility is there. TBL is more likely, I just think teams like BOS and maybe NYR have more experience, better goaltending, and are more likely to keep up the pace down the stretch run.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
That would be scary. Tampa Bay as our first round opponent. In terms of trying to run our guys and gooning it up. Not necessarily in terms of talent.
I don’t really have a good feel as to who I want the Caps first round playoff opponent to be.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Not in terms of talent, really?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Man to man it’s not really close at any position. I guess they have the advantage at 2C but that’s a very narrow scope and misleading.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Man to man no, but they have a pretty solid top 6. I’d kill to have Marty St. Louis on my team.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
If not for being suspended, Green would try to play slightly banged up.
Now he has no choice but to rest. (Will he accompany the team on the road trip to cheer them on or does he stay home, saving the team the hotel charges?)
Guess we need to find a new roommate for Nicky B for the occasion.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Maybe he finally gets a single room all to himself. He is a big boy now.
Actually, I’m pretty curious as to how that works. I bet if your roomie doesn’t make the trip, you fly solo.
Which side? (Why do I feel like we’ve had this conversation before?) We sit next to the box where the local press sits and Vogs and Stretch hang out. Also visiting scratches sit there.
"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."
I’m in 421 so we’re on the fairly empty press box side. I’ve seen Greenie with his posse there and Schultzie all alone with popcorn.
Awwwww.
"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."
Poor Schultzie…
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Don’t worry, I heard he left with two ladies that night.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Schultz does have a serious girlfriend. (And he seems to be close friends with Fehr and Stecks).
Rocking the Red since 1975
awkward, but when your best friend is Alex Ovechkin, life is pretty sweet. I’m not feeling too bad for Sasha and his late night trips in the taxi to pick up some Big Macs in the drive thru.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
If his dad is making the Caps Mentors trip, then Green will travel.
So Nicky will have company after all. (The role of Ovi’s roommate is already taken.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
So a suspended player can travel/practice with the team? Can they do everything except play?
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
Ovi went to Philly with the team when he was suspended. They even let him film a commercial while he was there.
IS KEPTIN NOW
It was fascinating to watch; he skated around on it during the TV break, and he spent a good couple minutes standing at the bench thinking about it before they pulled the plug on his night.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
I guess someone will be sitting in the Press Box eating nachos and drinking cokes and keeping Quentin Laing company.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I’m suppose he thought he was going to play against Toronto two Fridays ago, except that a certain forward with curly auburn hair walked into VC in the nick of time.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I like how Tarik called Sloan the “spare defenseman” in his tweet. It just sounds mean. Like “oh no Greenie is suspended!? get the spare defenseman outta the trunk, will ya?”
It is ironically appropriate, the spare forward rooms with the spare defensemen on the road.
Next question, is Sloan the space saving spare?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Is he an inflatable spare?
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Jan 30, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow. I with JP here. I think it was an awful hit, and a stupid play. But three games, on a first suspension? Just further evidence that there is no logic in the system. Meanwhile, Gonchar walks away from the hit on Clutterbuck. Interesting.
Clearly the league is biased against strangely named and mustachioed players.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Laich (via Tarik): “Obviously we don’t want to lose Greenie. But at some point you have to take control of the game and protect the players.”
Spot on, Brooksy.
Wonder if the captain will weigh in.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2010 1:18 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
But why at this point, and not at others? (Not trying to argue with you, just curious on your thoughts about that question.)
What better time to start than now?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
True that. But are we really to believe that this will continue? That Campbell suddenly is going to crack down? Maybe I’m being cynical?
It’s got visibility with the GMs than it did before, so that (and the Cormier hit) may be a topic come the Spring meetings.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
I think it may be him and Pothier now that he’s good to go.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
I have a dumb question about that. Does it mean he’s the team’s spokesperson to the union, or the union’s spokespersion to the team — or both?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
Not spokeperson…representative. He represents the interests of the Caps players to the union, and the union allegedly represents the interests of its members to the League.
Sid’s been taking on more union issues lately. I look at that as a good thing.
But the player’s union is currently a pathetic, toothless shell. They’re going to get pwned by the owners if they don’t start paying attention. Captain Ovechkin will need to step up as well. His word carries a lot of wieght.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Spokesperson was probably the wrong shorthand. Thanks.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 30, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry… but here on Campbell’s own words about Gonchar:
“Every 5-minute major is not a suspension or a fine. There’s gotta be a little bit of passion in the game.
"Cal Clutterbuck leads the League, or is close to leading the League, in hits. He hit Gonchar very hard into the boards prior to that — real hard. That could have been boarding. Could have been charging. It wasn’t. So Gonchar, who’s been hurt before and knocked out before and suffered a concussion; he’s on the receiving end more than he’s on the giving end — I don’t think he’s ever been on the giving end — he went in and it was a 5-minute interference penalty and he hit him with his shoulder.
“We felt the penalty was the penalty. We don’t feel [based on] past history that Gonchar deserved to be suspended. Clutterbuck came out and I thought his statement was ridiculous, that somebody’s going to ‘get this guy’. Last time I looked, Sergei Gonchar wasn’t on too many guys hit lists.”
by BReynolds on Jan 30, 2010 1:22 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Not really.
At the same time, Green retaliated for a completely clean, rightfully unpenalized hit—and he didn’t even retaliate against the player who hit him. I definitely think Gonchar should’ve been suspended, but the logic expressed there isn’t contradicted by this decision.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
He is targeted more than any Cap not named Ovechkin. And only slightly less. In 2008 PHI actually said their top priority was stopping Mike Green. Last year Dubinsky destroyed him from behind, but no injury meant no punishment. Colton Orr laid him out with a cross check to the chest away from the puck a few weeks ago. David Koci… the list goes on. He is pretty routinely on the receiving end.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2010 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
EVERY team in hockey knows that its not just possible, but usually pretty easy, to rattle Green with a real hard hit (legal or otherwise). And he’s no where near as big as Ovie, so he’s a slightly more appealing target.
Honestly, if there’s anyone who plays with this “passion” Campbell speaks of, it’s Green. He’s gets passionately pissed off when someone hits him and he’s going to hit someone back, hard. The problem is, it sometimes means he’s been knocked off his game and he’s more worried about the hit than, you know, playing defense.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
by RedBirdie on Jan 30, 2010 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This quote is the first thing in this thread that has actually made me angry. This is just horseshit. Absolute garbage. For Gonchar and Green to be held to different standards based on this bullshit reasoning — well, it takes my breath away.
Gonch got no suspension because Clutterbuck is a tough guy and Gonch is a poor victim who finally, and understandably lashed out. But Green is a bad, bad man who needs a stern punishment.
Absolute garbage. Absolutely the wrong signal to send to the league. Gonchar should have been suspended.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
The reasoning is bad, but he also clearly needs new glasses if he saw Gonchar hit Clutterbuck with his shoulder and not his forearm/elbow.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 31, 2010 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
I don't like it.
Kulikov’s knee-on-knee was much worse in my opinion. And Frolik wasn’t even injured on the play. If anything, he deserved one game at the most. The league’s discipline is a joke.
Dallas Stars 4 Life: Stars Blogging From Hockeyville, Iowa
I'm a girl. The screen name can be misleading, I understand.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Jan 30, 2010 1:25 PM EST reply actions
Kulikov’s was entirely incidental, and injuries suffered or not suffered should be completely irrelevant to disciplinary decisions.
The league’s discipline IS a joke, but, in a vaccum, they got this one right.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 30, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
Kulikov’s knee-on-knee was much worse in my opinion.
Why? Green led with the elbow, and got the head. Kulikov made a clean hit that wound up having knee to knee contact.
And Frolik wasn’t even injured on the play.
Doesn’t matter. You punish the action, not the result.
by David Getz on Jan 30, 2010 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You should punish the action, not the result.
Just touched that up for you. I think the result of a questionable hit often figures into NHL’s disciplinary calculations. (e.g. How many games does Brashear get if ice is softer than orbital bones? Why do you serve 2 more minutes for hi-sticking Paperface Bradley than for doing the exact same thing to Leatherneck Ovechkin?)
Agreed, the hit was brutal, three games is warranted.
BUT I’m not too disappointed that Green laid him out. Not that it’s advisable that very important players do things to get themselves suspended. But when sticking up for yourself, you sometimes have to cross the line to get your point across. Teams are less likely to take runs at dudes who will drop you with a ’bow to the face.
I had one of those no-fault, both parties skate away but smarting incidents.
The next time we met in the corner a few minutes later I couldn’t help but instinctively put my arm (elbow) up to maintain some separation. There was very little contact but I was rightly called for elbowing.
Green gets hit, a lot, and he could do a better job of lessening some of those impacts, but get hit enough and you may take an aggressive action that comes from a self-defense instinct.
Was there a little of that in 28’s xchecks on Ballard? The first looked minor-but-targeted, and the second looked stick-to-face crazy. Richard Pryor taught us that you gotta act crazy in the prison yard, if you can’t look tough.
Come to think of it, Ballard was the guy partially responsible for Semin’s wrist injury. (He also was the same guy who accidentally injured Vokoun, as well, when he was angry.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Of those he only bears responsibility for the Vokoun incident. The hit on Semin was perfectly clean. He throws his hips around as good as anyone else in the game today. #needsmorehipchecks
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
I know that Semin’s wrist injury accidental on the part of Ballard. Semin was trying to make a shot but along came Ballard.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Yep. Really awkward contact angle for Semin.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Kulikov’s knee-on-knee was much worse in my opinion
Watch the hit again and change your opinion. It was incidental contact.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I thought it deserved a minor charging penalty because Kulikov left his feet, jumped into the hit. But I agree there was no intent to go knee-on-knee
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
Guessing games on intent can’t happen. Just like a high stick or a trip, the standard is “did it happen?”, not “did it happen and did he mean to do it?”
The refs are not equipped to read minds. At least not with today’s technology.
Rocking the Red since 1975
’fantana’d
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 Jan 30, 2010 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
there was no intent to go knee-on-knee
Sheesh, OK, OK I give. It’s because he didn’t lead with the knee. Bottom line is it wasn’t kneeing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
If anything, he deserved one game at the most.
To me, it’s a much bigger leap from “no suspension” to “suspension” than from one game to three. Saying “one game at most” to me doesn’t make much sense, but that’s just me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
As you noted above, it’s all dickering once you pierce the initial veil. I could easily think that it’s two for the hit itself, and one based on the fact that he retaliated against a player other than the one who hit him.
Or not. Your mileage may vary.
Not much to get exercised about.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
About practice, according to Capitals Insider, Bradley did not practice today. Semin took his place on the 4th line. (Well, Sasha, are you now the designated body guard for Ovi?)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I did notice Semin out with the fourth liners at one point late, but I didn’t give it a whole lot of thought. Wonder what’s up with Brads.
"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."
Let’s hope it’s nothing serious. I did notice Semin playing with the 4th line, but didn’t notice the lack of Bradley. I’m ashamed to admit that.
What did Sasha do to get himself demoted? (LOL)
I expect to see him back with his normal line mates tomorrow.
I didn’t go to practice today. I would have liked to have gone but figured that discretion was the better part of valor when it come to driving from Reston, VA to Kettler.
Rocking the Red since 1975
What line was Laing playing on? The second?
Who was playing on the second line at practice, by the way, if they kicked out Sasha?
Rocking the Red since 1975
If we need someone to replace Bradley, Laing gets a sweater tomorrow. And Green sits alone in the Press Box.
Rocking the Red since 1975
His parents were in town yesterday, so maybe he sits with them? Green’s dad is pretty cool by the way.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
His Dad seems awesome. Did you meet him or something?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yea, he was at Kettler yesterday.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
A little. I’m not much of a talker in situations like that, but he took this Swedish kid’s jersey to Mike to get signed. Mike eventually came out, but it was really cool of him. He’s also trying to quit smoking, fun fact.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Nice. I see Papa Ovie all the time there, but I don’t really know what the hell I’d say to him if I approached.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Does he speak English?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
So he probably wouldn’t understand you anyway. Smile and waive.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
That’s what I always do to McPhee and Boudreau. McPhee will usually just smile and Boudreau has waved a few times.
This was back when I was at the rink every other day (before full time employment, which sucks).
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I would be if I lived closer.
Ted came out yesterday and we just kinda said hi. Bruce left right when Laich and Semin were leaving so we were all too distracted to really say anything much, that’s probably his strategy.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Brads would be up in the box with him, if Brads is out. Maybe he could bring Hank along.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Babies Do. Not. Belong. At. Games. Not because I hate them, but because it’s not good for them. I truly believe that is child cruelty.
"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."
I was thinking about that same point last night. I saw an infant in a Caps jersey and thought, “oh cute” but then thought “I would not want to bring an infant to a game. First the damage to the child and second how would I have a good time!”
My Caps game going ground to a screeching halt after my kids were born. I would only go to games occasionally and only when I won the ticket raffle for a weekend game. Our company used to own Caps tickets and would raffle them off to employees who signed up, on a game by game basis.
Then, I got so wrapped up in kids activities that my Caps game going (not to mention my baseball game going) took a back seat. FInally, I started going to games again last year (when my youngest was driving herself places). And I now own season tickets.
Rocking the Red since 1975
If I recall correctly, Bradley missed a good part of of the second/third periods of an earlier game this week as well (I want to say Anaheim but I’m not sure).
Well he missed the end of the third in the Ducks game because of his take down of Mike Brown (is that who it was?)
What I’m referring to wasn’t penalty-related, Brads wasn’t on the ice nor the bench for some unexplained reason.
My concern in all of this is not the suspension but that, again, Green puts himself in a vulnerable position out there. If he doesn’t get smacked unaware in open ice earlier in the shift, the elbow on Frolik doesn’t happen.
Green needs to be more aware out there. He’s already suffered almost half a dozen serious collisions this season, many of which could have been avoided. Same as last season.
And it’s going to impact his post-season performance, again, if things don’t change.
by Stephen Pepper on Jan 30, 2010 2:21 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
The first hit on him was huge live, all of a sudden he was flying sideways and horizontal. You are correct, he has to get his head up and position his body better. Perhaps he needs to take Judo or something so he can learn to roll off the hits.
That’s the last thing he needs is more weight. Everyone thought that his problem last year was being overweight.
(Do we need to have him travel with a personal trainer to make sure he works out properly during his suspension and while the Olympics is going on.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Whoosh.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2010 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Dropping knowledge like the atomic bomb, right there.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
I think I’m with the majority here. A suspension worthy hit, I don’t even have problems with 3 games as long as that standard is applied to everyone. Because it won’t be, I do have a problem with 3 games. This crap from the league office with inconsistent suspensions has to stop.
Campbell had a hand in the lack of suspension for Gonchar, yet had no hand in this one. How can the standard (is there one? haha) be applied if the same people are not involved in every decision. If Campbell is not going to be forced to step down, then a committee is needed, four or five guys, with any three of them participating in any review of a play. Maybe then there can be a hope for some consistency.
I am definitely in favor of a committee to make discipline decisions – particularly if it includes former NHL players, Europeans as well as Canadians.
I like this idea...
A committee would make this process more fair.
Campbell should step down, due to his inherent conflict of interest. At least he recused himself from this particular decision, but still…
I need a snappy signature...
His conflict of interest has nothing to do with why he should step down, he stays out of all decisions involving the Panthers, good on him.
He should step down because he sucks at his job.
Any of us would have been fired from our jobs (real or hypothetical) if we had as long of a track record of failure and incompetence as Campbell does.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 9:20 PM EST up reply actions
he stays out of all decisions involving the Panthers
He stays out of all decisions directly involving the Panthers.
He cannot stay out of decisions that indirectly involve the Panthers (i.e. suspending a player whose team is about to play the Panthers, as was done earlier this season).
Regardless of his incompetence, regardless of whether the decision actually does affect the Panthers in any way, almost every decision he makes has the potential to affect his son’s team one way or the other. It is an inherent conflict of interest, because he has a son who plays in the NHL.
And I agree, he does suck at his job, but since he didn’t make this particular decision, we can’t blame him for it.
I need a snappy signature...
But we can, and do, blame him for the terrible precidents and inconsistencies that plague the NHL’s disciplinary decisions.
And as far as the indirect effects on the Panthers, it doesn’t bother me unless he makes a decision directly involving the Panthers. In the case of a team that is going to play the Panthers, or teams that are with the Panthers in the playoff race, the effect most likely isn’t large enough to make a big deal about.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s an easy prediction. The following “analysis” will appear in some national hockey media source around March 15:
Mike Green has finally rounded out his game, making him one of the best defensemen in the league. He still leads the league in offense, but this year he has added a new physical component to his game that has made him much more intimidating in his own end. Sure, he sometimes plays on the edge, but opposing players know they won’t be able to just stand in the crease without answering to Green.
Journalists are lazy.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 2:29 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Journalists are lazy.
Aaaand I immediately regret that quip. Journalists work their asses off. Many so-called “analysts” are lazy.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
One result I’d be concerned about? Opponents take even more liberties with Green, thinking they won’t have to worry about him hitting them for fear of another suspension.
On the other hand, it was Bobby Ryan who was going after him in the Anaheim game, right? Ovie finally let him know who was boss. And it was legal, too. Close, but legal.
"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."
You can then accuse that “analyst” of plagiarism as well when it appears.
Rocking the Red since 1975
If it happens, I claim no credit. It’ll just be the analyst class thoughtlessly plagiarizing each other.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
WHAT ABOUT
when that bitch number 43 on Florida took a run at green and LEFT HIS FEET to deliver an elbow and knee on knee hit which knocked him out of the game. I was really disappointed no one on the caps went after that guy. I know Bmo kinda got after him, but that guy should be lying in a hospital right now for what his punk as did to green.
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 30, 2010 2:37 PM EST reply actions
They did go after him. They took a penalty for going after him.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, uh, so one thing we typically don’t do here is wish injuries on anyone. That was a relatively clean hit, should have been a minor since an incidental knee is still a knee, but not ‘hospital’ worthy.
by renstar on Jan 30, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
.
LEFT HIS FEET
deliver an elbow
knee on knee hit
Incidental.
that guy should be lying in a hospital right now for what his punk as did to green.
For…making a legal hit?
by David Getz on Jan 30, 2010 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Oh, he definitely left his feet. Watch the play again on video. Even if skate blades are technically on the ice, there is no weight on those legs. He jumped into Green.
As players do, all the time.
It’s a borderline charging call, that sometimes they call and sometimes they don’t. It wasn’t kneeing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
It’s hard to be practical about this. Logically speaking, I understand the suspension. It was a blatant elbow to the face, and it’s dangerous. That kind of shit has no place in today’s NHL.
That said? Nobody has worse luck with suspensions than number 52. I’ve been the poor guy run in exceedingly dirty ways for the majority of the past two years, and none of that seems to results in anything. If a hit like Koci’s gets by with nothing, how does a player with absolutely no history of this kind of thing pick up three for this? And the Gonchar thing… well, it’s a point I’d rather not argue since that doesn’t do anyone any good, but it certainly makes the ruling harder to swallow.
In the long run, I suppose it’s for the best. Green could use the rest now instead of wracking up injuries over the course of the season last year, and headshots are never really excusable.
As Ovie would say, it is what it is.
Who’s the first person who said “it is what it is”? I’ve been hearing that phrase an awful lot in the last 1.5 years. And never used to hear it. (I used to hear and say “That’s the way it is”
Rocking the Red since 1975
I have no idea. I don’t think it is particularly new, though. I know I’ve been saying it for some years now, though I think it recently came into vogue in sports as a verbal shrug of sorts.
I had a baseball coach who used to say that phrase all the time. If you think about it, a truer phrase has never been spoken. It IS, in fact, what it is.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 30, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been the poor guy run in exceedingly dirty ways for the majority of the past two years, and none of that seems to results in anything.
What, other than Koci’s hit, were you thinking of?
A bad hit, yeah, but I dunno if I’d go so far as to say “exceedingly dirty” or even suspension worthy.
This was the sort of thing I meant, though, certainly. I don’t think that was suspension-worthy either (nothing that’s happened to him with the exception of the Koci hit was), but it was dirty and really just completely unnecessary. Maybe “exceedingly dirty” is a bit strong, but the kid gets run an awful lot, and the league has thus far done nothing to protect him when it gets dirty.
Trying to knock a star player off their game is one thing. It’s just a bit hard to swallow to see them toss a player with no history for three games after letting him get run by players who have rap-sheets of this sort of thing and giving them none.
Again, though, doesn’t excuse the elbow to the head. Just frustrating.
Colton Orr, Callahan in the playoffs, Koci all come to mind.
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 Jan 30, 2010 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
maybe it was dubinsky and not callahan as F&B said.
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 Jan 30, 2010 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
Wasn’t Pronger the guy who separated Green’s shoulder last season with a hit along the boards? No suspension there either.
And from what I remember, none was warranted. Clean hit with an unfortunate result.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
And remember that time that one guy broke Mario Lemieux’s jaw? I don’t remember any suspensions coming out of that.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 31, 2010 4:12 AM EST up reply actions
after the whistle, green turned the other way, no puck, cross-check to head or neck-?
by LangwayWasTheKing on Jan 30, 2010 3:05 PM EST reply actions
of course it won’t really matter since he probably would have sat at least 1 or 2 of those games with the thigh bruise anyways. so Bettman can sit up and spout off about how serious they are about injuries (ignoring all the other stuff he ignores) and Green doesn’t miss any time he wouldn’t anyways.
and yes I just made up a word
amount of games do matter, imo
I am not sure how someone can say that the amount of games does not matter in regards to a suspension. It might not matter in this exact circumstance with regards to this team, but if this were late in the season and another team is battling NYR for the 8th playoff spot I would think that Green being sit for an extra game would matter greatly. Same as for playoffs; a 1 or 2 game suspension is a huge difference.
What I don’t understand is if the league is punishing players to try to deter them from repeating the same actions, why give Jovanovski a 2 game suspension (less than a month after he already served a 2 game suspension for the same problem, elbowing) and give Green a 3 game suspension for his first offense?
I agree that the Gonchar altercation was the first thing I thought of, but I give up on the rationale the league uses in regards to Pittsburgh. And if just reading Campbell’s words make you mad, you should have heard the tone he used when talking about it in on NHLlive. It was almost with indignation towards Clutterbuck (the victim).
Why does the first time the NHL gets a suspension right, it has to be a Caps player.
Meh.
Also, any firm/official information on Bradley
The NHL is so inconsistent with punishment, there really isn’t any precedent.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
The next questionable hit will decided based on the results of a Craps game.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Okay Caps boys, no questionable hits allowed during the playoffs. Lest you get suspended.
I now know what our first round playoff opponent’s playoff strategy will be, especially if that team is either Tampa, Florida, or Philadelphia (but not limited to them). Make runs at Green and other stars to goad them into doing something stupid and you know the rest. Suspension.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Per Brian McNally:
#Caps officials: Mike Green can’t appeal his 3-game suspension. Matt Bradley missed practice today, but is expected to play Sunday.
IS KEPTIN NOW
What happened to Brads? I missed the game last night, and am only now sifting through recaps, etc to get specifics.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
Brads is just probably taking his option to rest. the way he plays has to take a hefty toll, and goodness knows how much sleep he’s getting these days. Combine those two, and our favorite cult hero deserves a day off.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
Cool, thanks. Just wasn’t sure if there was something specific from the game last night. But yea, I’d say of all our guys Brads is one who could definitely use the Olympic break.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
My source tells me that Brads was seen at a local DC Gym sparring this afternoon, preparing for Ovechkin-Downie-Bradley Round II.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 30, 2010 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
I believe that means he’s giving him the day off to rest the bumps and bruises that come about over the course of a long season. Taking the mental break doesn’t hurt either. Usually maintenance day means there is no question that he’s playing the next game.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Except they said once last week that Green was taking a maintenance day and he did NOT play in the next game.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Weighing in a little late...
but this total bullshit. it was a two minute minor for elbowing. you can’t tell me that the refs on the ice don’t have a better take on what was going on. you look at in in slow-mo of course it looks worse.
a fine, maybe.
a 1 gamer, no – he has no previous incidents.
3 games? assinine.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
you can’t tell me that the refs on the ice don’t have a better take on what was going on.
Actually, that’s precisely what I think. I think the replay makes it look worse because the play is worse than what the refs saw. After seeing the replay, the only reason I can think of that he wasn’t ejected is that they didn’t see it well enough to recognize what Greener did.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I couldn’t watch the game, and upon watching the above replay I didn’t know what the initial penalty was. There is no doubt in my mind that the hit (intentional/unintentional/whatever) deserves a suspension. Not 3 games, I’d argue, but definitely a suspension. The on-ice refs have to make a split-second decision, often without the benefit of multi-angle replays. As we ALL know, these decisions are often not entirely correct. IMO on-ice decisions should have little impact on what the league hands out after analyzing all the facts.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
Green the politician
After practice today.
via RMNB
IS KEPTIN NOW
by EmilyB on Jan 30, 2010 4:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
pin-stripe suit and a knit cap…where’s Tim Gunn when you need him!?
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
Greenie being Greenie……
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
Green and Semin believe in wearing those type of hats on cold days. Well, they do say more heat leaves through the head when uncovered.
Last week, we had the picture of Semin wearing the purple suit and purple tie, and the hat with ‘28’ on it.
Rocking the Red since 1975
He was wearing that hat yesterday too.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
After morning skate.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
How do you have time to go to the morning skates? I can’t do that except on weekends or when I take off from work.
Rocking the Red since 1975
He's who I noticed first
but then Backstrom started having really um distinctive ones made by a friend at home (?), custom jobs for teammates.
Wonder if there's "political" pressure on Campbell?
From the NY Times Slapshot blog
N.H.L. Vice President Colin Campbell is not especially pleased with two prominent Canadian politicians, federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Member of Parliament Ken Dryden, two men with hockey backgrounds who, as noted here yesterday, called for the league to take more of a leading role on the matter of checks to the head.
The League has been addressing and evaluating what to do about head shots for several months now and will continue to do so; I doubt that Campbell (who was NOT part of this process) is all of a sudden swayed by what Flaherty and Dryden have to say unless there’s ramifications behind it.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2010 7:31 PM EST up reply actions
But you know, no suspension for hitting someone with a helmet, but a match penalty was issued, so under our new understanding, punishment in-game negates the need for punishment afterward. Consistency indeed.
Good question. Frolik is not a good old Canadian boy. But, in Cherry’s opinion, Green is not a good old Canadian boy either. Green may be Canadian but is not a good old Canadian boy.
Or is Green really Russian and his real name actually Mikhail Davidovich Zelenkov?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Cherry likes Green and was pulling for him to make Team Canada.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 31, 2010 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Another OTpost
[The Tampa Bay Lightning] landed at Dulles airport on a snowcovered runway at 415pm.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Haha! Super Mario Brothers. I recall my nephew and daughter playing that one Christmas. (The same daughter who is coincidentally the same age as Fehr.)
Okay, I’ll stop digressing Off topic but couldn’t resist.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I assume he means the new Wii version, which I’ve heard good things about, but definately don’t have the time for
Aim for the head baby Jesus
I can’t think of the SMB game anymore without seeing the Wii Instrument ad, where they show all sorts of people playing the Wii Instrument game… and they’re all playing the theme from Super Mario Brothers…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2010 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
I’m still reading the open thread. I’m sure many other folks are too. There’s nothing wrong with posting this there.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2010 5:35 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
Ok, I promised...(No -Baloney- Bologna)
I saw the report just now, and I’m angry. Not because Green got suspended. I saw the hit on TV and it was suspension worthy (an elbow to the head is something that should be discouraged), but three games is a bit much. Gads. When was the last time Green injured someone seriously…ok, I mean in a penalty situation, Patrick Thorisen notwithstanding. I can’t think of any time.
The proper call should have been a 5 minute major, game misconduct and he sits tomorrow vs. Tampa. That’s it. Missing 3 games doesn’t make sense.
Of course, considering the upcoming 3 games, the NHL is also indirectly penalizing he Panthers… the Panthers are in the dogfight for the last few playoff berths in the East with the Bolts, B’s and Rags. I’m sure they’d prefer the Caps win those games rather than lose them…
Let's go Caps!
Maybe the Panthers will lodge an appeal of Green’s behalf :)
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 30, 2010 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
This seems to be a common sentiment among most of us. Even though I just argued above that league punishments should be separate from on-ice penalties…I wonder if perhaps the suspension is harsher than we expected because Green only got a 2 minute minor on-ice?
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 30, 2010 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
I think that is part of it and probably because Frolik got up and later returned to the game. That said I am fine with Green getting 3 games for the incident.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 30, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
My .02
I hope – very much hope – that the recent Cormier incident has brought to light just exactly how dangerous these types of hits can be. As a result, I very much hope that the Green suspension is a new precedent and the NHL will finally start taking hits to the head seriously.
Do I believe this will happen? The jury is still out.
After watching the replay, I do agree that Green deserves the suspension; with good fortune, this three game enforced sitdown will cause Green to reset his thinking, and hopefully we won’t see another incident like this from him again.
I hope the League is consistent in future. If not, I will be displeased.
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 30, 2010 9:07 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
As has been said before, this suspension is bullshit in light of the NHL’s previous decisions (or non-decisions as the case may be). In a vaccuum it’s fine, but it didn’t happen in a vaccuum.
But if this leads to consistently enforcing the rules and protecting the players, I’ll be fine with it. But it won’t so the entire NHL disciplinary committee can go jump off a bridge (Campbell included, even if he didn’t rule on this one).
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 9:08 PM EST reply actions
It will be hard for Campbell to be objective now, at least for any incident involving Eastern Conference teams since Florida’s in a dog fight for playoff spots with Atlanta, TB, Montreal, NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Flyers, and Boston. Those teams are not separated by much in the standings.
Rocking the Red since 1975
It’s difficult for anybody to be completely impartial. Everyone in the higher ups knows people, and at some point they were kids who very likely had a favorite team.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
But harder for Campbell if there are 6 other teams battling his son’s team for playoff spots.
Rocking the Red since 1975
As I’ve already said, if it’s not directly affecting the Panthers, I don’t think the impact is big enough to really matter.
His incompetence is, by far, a much bigger issue than the fact that he has a son in the NHL.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
I bet if Colin Campell ruled it would have been a fine or no suspension. Three games without Green isn’t going to ruin the caps season it would just be nice for the nhl to be more consistent. I thought it was a suspention worthy hit but less so then Gonchar’s so what do I?
It’s definitely less suspension worthy than Goocher’s hit on Clutterbuck.
But that’s the problem in your thinking. You’re looking for consistency and logic in the NHL’s disciplinary rulings. Doing this can drive a sane man mad.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
It may be coincidental that Green and Ovi end up suspended. While Gonchar, Koci, and Mike Richards do not end up suspended. But it is enough to get Caps fans downright paranoid about unfairness.
Of course I can’t recall every bad incident that’s happened this year around the NHL or whether the punishment was fair or unfair. It seems that there is no rhyme or reason for whether a guy is suspended or how long he is suspended for.
A crap shoot.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I don’t think there is a league wide problem with bias against the Caps. There’s a league wide problem with incompetence. The only ones Caps fans can point to are Ovie’s ban, Green’s ban, and Koci’s lack of ban. And they still got 2 out of 3 (mostly right there).
Certainly Gonchar, Richards, J. Ruutu, Kozlov and others have deserved suspensions and gotten off scott free. But that doesn’t mean the league hates the Caps. It just means Campbell and the disciplinary office suck at their jobs.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
It is noteworthy though that caps are among the least goon-y of all the teams in the league. Fights are rare at Caps games, and our guys usually end up on the losing side
Though Big Bad Brads is a winnar even when he loses, I don’t think the other teams’ pests and agitators lose too much sleep over the thought of facing the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
And yet somehow two of our superstars with no priors have been docked 5 games and nearly 200K in salary.
IS KEPTIN NOW
You don’t have to be a fighter to have a suspension-worthy action. Just ask Pronger.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2010 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think there is a league wide problem with bias against the Caps. There’s a league wide problem with incompetence.
Well said.
The only ones Caps fans can point to are Ovie’s ban, Green’s ban, and Koci’s lack of ban. And they still got 2 out of 3 (mostly right there).
Plus if we’re going to throw out Ovechkin’s suspension, we have to note the questionable player he got the benefit of the doubt on: the Peverly slewfoot, the hits on Kaleta and Heward. Do I think any of those were suspend-able? No. But if the league were out to get the Caps, no way he doesn’t sit for any of the three.
Gonchar, Richards, J. Ruutu, Kozlov and others have deserved suspensions and gotten off scott free.
I guess major penalties aren’t what they used to be.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 31, 2010 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Inconsistent Suspensions Will End Careers
As I mentioned earlier, by handing out seemingly arbitrary and random suspensions for varying degrees of physical contact, the NHL is going to create a situation where players are purposely hurting others to make a point, intimidate opponents, and build their own reputation. They’ll either pull a check mid-way and still risk an NHL suspension due to a vague rule-set, or they simply will go whole hog into a hit, assuming a suspension is imminent anyways, following a “might as well get my moneys worth” theory. Case and point? We’ve all seen questionable hits ALL season, and suspensions following seemingly little or no pattern. I just happened to stumble across one this evening, searching for unrelated videos, and it conveniently includes Mike Green.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CYx2KoaCrE
There was no suspension here, that I can remember.
Point is, the NHL brass better get their stories straight NOW and get on the same page, before someone goes down for good due to their hodge-podge rule enforcement. 3-games for Green, intentional or not, is a warranted call due to the danger of head injuries. But it’s completely useless and downright dangerous moving forward without consistency across the NHL. And I’m sure everyone will agree, the 09/10 season has had quite a few questionable hits whose consequences seem to be leaving us all scratching our heads. Something better improve and soon, as we’re on the verge of some career ending blows courtesy of the suits who aren’t even on the ice.
Kudos to guys like Brooks and knoobs for having the stones to call it like they see it. I hate it when players blindly support their teammates heinous actions. Hopefully Brooks and knoobs talked with green before they made those comments.
Hopefully the league and nhlpa have serious discussions about banning headshots entirely next year. And while they are at it, here’s some othe things that may help:
no hardcap shoulder pads
no seamless glass
helmets that meet minimum standards and are less tha 3 years old
clarity on suspentions for headshots
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 31, 2010 9:46 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Honest question for anyone who knows — do those hardcap shoulder pads prevent any injuries more extensive than bruising? Is a guy’s shoulder more likely to stay in its socket if he’s wearing those things?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 31, 2010 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
10-In-A-Row!!!!
But is that as far as we get? Having Green out of the lineup definitely hurt us against Tampa Bay as we saw in the first 10 minutes of the third period. Can we steal more points before his suspension is up? Or is our streak over with?
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Feb 1, 2010 2:38 AM EST reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
55 | 27 | 17 | 11 | 65 |
|
Washington
|
55 | 28 | 22 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
55 | 24 | 25 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.13.2012 at 1:00 PM EST)
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