Patrick Roy’s son and poor goalie at that, does his old man “proud” as he beats the crap out of opposing goalie in a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League play-off game. I’m all for fighting in hockey, but this is disgraceful… Patrick Roy still classy as ever.by Mike Zimmer, Blue JacketWhile this should be pretty entertaining to most of you that aren’t hockey fans, as hockey fights seem to be the ultimate understanding of the game, what is in the video above is just ridiculous.
Patrick Roy, Hall of Famer Goalie, is now the Head Coach of his son’s Major Junior Hockey League team (and heavy investor apparently), the Quebec Ramparts. Well, while his son’s team was being whipped in their first round play-off game 7-1 (eventually losing 10-1 in game two of the series), a brawl broke out between the two clubs. It got out of hand, eventually getting very ugly. As you can, see, Jonathan Roy decided to get into the melay and did his old man “proud” in pummeling the best goalie in the league. All the while, being one of the worst in the league statistically.
What’s bad about this is three fold. First of all, Patrick Roy apparently motioned for his boy to go and get the other goalie. Two, the other goalie didn’t fight back and gets pummeled, Roy beat the bejesus out of the lass even as he balled up in the fetal position not wanting to fight. The poor kid is probably some dainty Swede and has never been in a scrap in his life other than battling his sister for time in front of a mirror to check his beautiful hair and fair skin. Three, he doesn’t fight back. Who doesn’t fight back in this situation?
I was a fan of Patrick Roy’s game. He was fierce, top of the game and able to put a team on his back. However, he was always an ass-hole and often was perhaps one of the dirtiest players in the game. He also liked to scrap from time to time, but mostly just ran his mouth. He put his money where that was concerned too though, once telling a reporter that he couldn’t hear what the Detroit Red Wings were complaining about because he ‘had his Stanley Cup rings stuck in his ears’.
But this incident, in which he’s be suspended 5-games and his hack of a son 7-games is disgraceful, no ifs ands or buts about it. Nice going Roy Family! You stay Classy!
by Michael Barker…who’s birthday is in the subject.
Ah…July the first. It’s Canada Day for those who care. It’s also the birthday of Alan Alda, and the former Princess of England, Diana. It is also my birthday, and more importantly the first day of free agent signings for the NHL.
The NHL opened it’s free agency doors in quite the open manner this off-season with some winners…and of course losers (due to the winners). Since this is a belated birthday gift to me (and my St. Louis Blues), I’ll just give you the winners, and let you figure out the losers.
My birthday…my team first.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues got Keith Tkachuk back from Atlanta where he drove the Thrashers to an amazing playoff push…oh, wait…I guess not. However, the Blues drove a stake into the heart of divisional rivals Nashville by signing Paul Kariya for three years and making a friend of mine back in Music City to wonder why she bought that 14 game mini-pack of tickets. Rumors are that JD isn’t done, as the Blues are in the running for many other free agents like Ray Emery, goaltender of the Ottawa Senators of last season…we’ll see. Dominik Hasek is UFA as well…
NY Rangers- The place where all good players go to die get a couple of players that can do so in my opinion. The blueshirts got Chris Drury of Buffalo and Scott Gomez of New Jersey so that they can hopefully beat those teams this upcoming season. Meanwhile, Brenden Shanahan is on the market…damn, it would be nice to see him come home to St. Lou.
Philadelphia Flyers- Philly decided that they may have sucked for long enough. They grabbed Kimmo Timmonen from the salary dumping Predators, and Daniel Briere (the other co-captain of Buffalo). However, Janni Pitkanen is a big name still looking for a home.
Colorado Avalanche- This makes me laugh so fricking hard. Mr Canada…Mr Edmonton Oiler…Ryan Smyth is added to the Avalanche thanks to a phone call by Joe Sakic to Mr. Giguere (the other one…the GM for Colorado). This Jeff Foxworthy look-alike has been punishing the Avs for years, now gets to put his talents up against his former team like…what…30 times. However, the Avs have Brisebois, Turgeon, and Konowalchuk to sign, if they can.
Pittsburgh Penguins- As if they didn’t get lucky in the draft with Esposito, the young guns of Pittsburgh add some veteren talent (along with Recchi, and Roberts) in Peter Sykora, and Darryl Sydor. DAMN…this team is going to be hard to beat next year.
Losers include the teams that lost players mentioned above, plus Dallas (Lindros, Nagy, Klemm, Barnaby are all unrestricted)
Oh, and for Zim…wow the Jackets signed Brookbank…oh, don’t know that name…neither does 90% of hockey fans…the other 10% are family members.
Last and definately least…
During the past playoffs I was hyping (and deservingly so) the Anaheim Ducks. However they made a move that has made me HATE them for evermore. The Ducks signed the criminal Todd Bertuzzi. Ugh. They also took Mathieu Schneider from Detroit as well…I can always hope that Detroit can’t sign Hasek, and that Chris Chelios and his walker fall down some steps. With the rest of the former Black & Blue Division looking like crap…The Blues win the Western Central next year. I can only hope…
View of Nationwide Plaza in front of Nationwide Arena where the NHL and the Blue Jackets held a pre-draft party Friday evening.
Some thoughts on being at the NHL Draft (albeit brief)
The Jackets reach for a player with the 7th overall pick in new G.M.’s first draft
Some new looks and new uni’s to take a peak at
by Mike Zimmer, Honk
If you blinked, you may have missed it. Even if you live here in Columbus, the event was a bit of a hidden and or afterthought happening. The NHL is still second tier entertainment for the most part but the Columbus Blue Jackets trudge on and make the most of their opps. And, they typically make it a first class expirience even if their product is mildly flawed. Not even the Blue Jackets could have helped the fact that a trio of different worlds were colliding upon a single square mile in Ohio’s capital however.
You see, the NHL’s entry draft was planned long ago and I am sure they thought little about the collision I was speaking of. Not only was the Draft scheduled, Commfest the hippie-pot-smoking-counter-culture-a-thon which happens every year at a park not far away from the Arena District was on-going as well as some event in the Short North District which led up to Saturday’s Doo-Da Parade. Uh, that’d be the gay pride event that had downtown full of fruits…er…homio-sex-shuls…er…alternative lifestylers…er…not that there’s anything wrong with that types. Friday in the Columbus’ entertainment districts was busy for sure. But, the Draft did host a nice event. And although I spent what amounted to about a hour there and then moved on to drinking cheap suds at Commfest, it was interesting.
Inside Nationwide Arena on Friday Night during the NHL’s First Round of the Draft.
Look for yourself, the arena was packed. After enjoying the tail-end of the festivities outside the arena which featured a concert by the band Yellowcard (couldn’t they have gotten a band that didn’t reference an even less relavent sport? Say, Bare Naked Ladies?), the crowd filled the available seating in the arena. I was able to snag a pair of 100-level seats from my work buddy Ron, who works for the NHL working the penalty box and the goalie box during the season at Jackets games. Upon arriving late to my seat, I was still able to grab a seat looking directly at the stage and capable of taking in the entire arena, including the TSN (The Sports Network, Canada’s exact replica of ESPN) sports desk that included NHL talking heads and including recently fired Blue Jackets G.M. Doug MacClean. The Blue Jackets even unveiled their new sweaters for the upcoming season which basically advanced their alternate logo or 3rd jersey to being their lead. Check it out here on their first round pick Jakub Varachek… ‘Wave the flag’ is the Blue Jackets new motto for 2007-08.
The draft in particular quickly became a bit of a bore however. The thing is, most of the guys that get taken in the NHL draft are developmental players, junior players that are very young, some of which never even sniff the NHL. Unlike with the NFL or NBA where you know almost every player especially in the first round or two. Highlights DID include the picking of back-to-back American players with the first two picks for the first time in NHL history and Wayne Gretzky getting quite a hand and near standing ovation upon his trip to the podium to make the pick of the Phoenix Coyotes. I stayed until the 15th pick or roughly half the first round. The arena almost emptied by half after the Blue Jackets made their pick at #7. It was fun for most, but reality sank in, it wasn’t going to get much more exciting after that. I guess unlike the NFL drama like watching Brady Quinn squirm that unfolds over a 10-hour period makes the picking of a 17-year old Quebec Major Junior Hockey League player that was born in Nigeria and raised in the Ukraine look a bit weak.
The main stage at the NHL draft.
New Columbus G.M. Scott Howson on the far left with the brain trust of the club and their first round draft pick Jakub Vorachek.
As stated before, the Blue Jackets drafted Right Winger Jakub Vorachek with pick #7. It was considered a reach even by the pro-Jackets broadcast team. Way to go new General Manager Scott Howson! Make a mark by picking the very guy that Doug MacClean was talking about during TSN’s coverage. It was very nice of the Edmonton brass to congradulate and speak well of Howson when they went to the stage to make the #6 overall pick and then taking the exact guy the Jackets actually could have used and needed.
The Capitals new/vintage updated look.
The other big thing was the introduction of the new RBK Edge sweater/jersey to be used league wide now. Being a uni/jersey junky, I think I am most impressed and wanting of the new Washington Capitals sweater. It’s not so new as much as it’s a throw back to their duds that they sported from 1974-75 when they debuted in the league until their major look update back in 1995. I have one of the original jersey’s thanks to former hockey fan and fellow jersey afficianato Brian Barrett (aka Big B). What a very special birthday present that was! (insert feined crying here.).
Overall, it was a breif but fun time at the draft. Now, if only I had just gone home instead of enduring all the hippies and drunk ass people at Commfest thereafter.
by: Mike Barker, hockey “honk”, and apparently the only one who can write on this site anymore.
It’s time to play for the oldest trophy in sports, let’s look at the teams up to the challenge.
I know that Zim is busy drinking too much to post ANYTHING right now, so I’ll put up something that no one seems to care about.
The Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks are contesting for the Stanley Cup…you know, the championship trophy for that fringe sport known as hockey….let’s get a little insight.
In the East, the Ottawa Senators…
Ottawa comes into the Finals as Canada’s hope…although don’t say that to Montreal, or Toronto fans. They have won the Eastern Conference beating some very strong teams in the league, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Buffalo…each in five games. Their strength is offense, especially in (what I have come to call) THE LINE. Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, and Dany Heatley have combined to score what seems to be 90% of the goals for the Sens in these playoffs.
In the West, the Anaheim Ducks…
Anaheim is a team that I have been behind all year. This team has it all. Speed & grit, the two most required skills in the game. Teemu Selanne, the oldest player in the finals, has finally got to the promised land for the first time (remember, when the Ducks lost to Jersey in ’03, Selanne was playing in Denver). They have the stongest Defense since the early ’90s teams of New Jersey…which amazingly enough, had a certain Neidermayer which has a chance at a Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of the NHL playoffs) on it’s team.
If anyone watched the first game of the series, then you got to see the basic gameplan of the Ducks for the series. Keep THE LINE off the scoresheet, and use defense to stifle shots on goal. Remember folks, the Ducks don’t mind shots on goal per se…J.S. Giguere has a Conn Smythe Trophy without winning the Cup (that’s a major feat).
However, for a prediction, I’ll take the above mentioned Ducks, but I have a feeling that it may come down to home ice. Those hosers up in Canada will keep the Sens winning at home.
Prediction: Ducks in seven…although, I’ll cover my bet and say that if the Sens win the Cup, Daniel Alfredsson wins the Conn Smyth.
That’s it for this article…but I guess since this is a hockey article I should mention that Mr. Basille…the guy who was going to buy the Pittsbugh Penguins, has now bought the Nashville Predators. Wow, didn’t see this one coming…no seriously…the Preds are one of the hottest teams when it comes to the regular season, but no playoff punch. And by the way, they haven’t averaged 14,000+ in attendance per game in about four seasons. My only head-scratching moment about this move is that when the league lost a season, it was reported that the Preds were one of only four teams that were making money before the lock-out…so why are they being sold? Der Furher (and Zim’s friend) Gary Bettman is saying that the Predators will be staying in Nashville, but I think that’s only because he hates being wrong in thinking that hockey will work in Country Music City….although, the facts state that the Preds are locked into Nashville for at least one more season. I guess I’ll keep an eye on this one and report later if anyone cares.
Teemu Selanne and J.S. Giguere of the “Mighty” Anaheim Ducks
by: Mike Barker
A look at the two match-ups in the West
#1 Detroit Red Wings vs. #5 San Jose Sharks
Detroit comes into the second round after beating the Calgary Flames in six, while the San Jose Sharks disposed of the Nashville Predators in five. Many out there are picking the Sharks to win this series probably due to the recent disappointments of strong Detroit teams.
Prediction:I’m not a big fan of either one of these teams. I personally don’t understand all the “experts” picking San Jose like it’s a no-brainer. San Jose played a closer series with Nashville than it looked (three of their four wins over Nashville was by only one goal). Detroit actually beat Calgary by more than it seemed as well. I’m going out on a limb (I guess) by picking the Red Wings to win this series in 6.
#2 Anaheim Ducks vs. #3 Vancouver Canucks
Anaheim defeated the Minnesota Wild in five and the Canucks gave us our first game seven of the playoffs taking the Dallas Stars out. If anyone saw game one of this series should realize where this one is heading. Anaheim has such a strong team that I’ll agree with a lot of others that this is the team to beat in the NHL.
Prediction:Unless Roberto Luongo can steal a game from Anaheim, the Ducks should overpower their opponents in a sweep.
Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks celebrating a series victory over Dallas
by: Mike Barker, losing faith in the “new” NHL
Eight teams left for the ultimate chalise…four match-ups to look at
The first round of the NHL playoffs are a lot like what we’re seeing in the NBA playoffs. Teams that are for real will advance, and those who are not worthy, do not.
In the East… Jaromir Jagr, remembering what it’s like to have success in the playoffs
#1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 New York Rangers
Gary Bettman and the NHL had this as a dream match-up when the regular season was over, and wow…can you imagine…it came true. On paper, this is no contest. The Buffalo Sabres have a lot more depth, more firepower, and a better goalie. This in fact, should be a sweep, but…
Prediction:I have to believe that the VS network and Zim’s friend Gary Bettman will put this match-up on national television as many times as they can, so it may actually go to six games if you’re a conspirity theorist…however, I’ll give the Cigarette Man the benefit and just pick Buffalo in 5.
The Canadian capital has hope in their captain Daniel Alfredsson and goalie Ray Emery
#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #4 Ottawa Senators
If you cared to read the first round previews, you’ll note that I picked the Pittsburgh Penguins to beat Ottawa in the first round. You’ll also note that I had Pittsburgh in the #4 slot…that was faulty information on my part…I would have picked the home ice advantage…which was Ottawa.
In this second round it’s kinda funny. If you watch the weekend NBC show, you’ll see all members of the studio show picking Ottawa in this match-up. If you watch versus, they all pick New Jersey. The funny part about it is Bill (hands of cement) Clement is a member of both panels.
Personally, I think that this is going to be a great match-up. You have strong offense on both sides, but I would give Ottawa the advantage. On Defense, I’ll say they’re about even. When it comes to goaltending, the advantage has to go to New Jersey.
Prediction: Seven games is very likely. However, with the way that the refs called the regular season, I’ll take the Ottawa Senators in six….but if you’re a gambling sort of person, I would stay away from this one. Anything could happen as both teams will give us exciting games…although if the Devils play their improved version of the trap (which is illegal…so it’s not really the trap), then they may not be exciting at all.
I could go into the Western Conference match-ups, but it’s 5:30 in the morning, so I’ll put it up tomorrow.
Calgary Flames gave our sport a negative view to a national audience.
by: Mike Barker, an appalled fan of sports in general.
I know that most people do not watch my favorite sport. After today’s incredulous display by the Calgary Flames late in the fifth game of their series with the Detroit Red Wings…now I can see why.
This is a #1 vs. #8 match-up, which at the beginning of the game was tied 2-2. Home ice was being held by both teams, and many were wondering a couple questions: 1) Are the Red Wings going to blow another first round match-up as the #1 or 2) is the first question right, or are the Flames just that good at home (and vice-versa, that bad on the road).
If you didn’t watch, I’ll set the scene…Game five in Detroit with the series tied 2-2. The first period was exciting for us hockey fans who enjoyed the pre-lockout NHL which was exciting WITHOUT any goals being scored. Period two let the fans and national audience know that the game was in Detroit with the Red Wings scoring their first goal on the “most exciting play in hockey” a penalty shot by Dan Cleary, who connected for the first goal.
Move ahead to the last five minutes of the third period with Detroit leading the game 4-1…a no brainer even in Zim’s friend’s NEW NHL. Calgary makes a change in net by pulling Mikka Kiprusoff who has been very decent for Calgary, but is set for the loss in this game. Actually, this would be a good idea in most circumstances…
However, Jamie McClennen decides (or is told to do so on the bench) that this game has got so much out of hand, that he needs to set a tone for game six in Calgary that he takes a couple swipes in front of his net to the nearest Red Wing. After the whistle was blown for the slashing that was obvious enough, he skates around his net and uses his stick as the same kind of weapon that Albert Pujols uses against an Aaron Harang pitch and leaves the game in what should be a disgrace.
This should be bad enough, but not even 2 minutes later (and on the above mentioned infraction’s power play) Jarome Iginla decides to take further action on Detroit by hacking another player on the ice.
Needlessly to say, the Wings won the game. This puts them up 3-2 going to Calgary for game 6. However, Calgary needs to be punished with suspensions that will exceed this upcoming game and any other that they luckily play this season (and into the next). I understand that Calgary may have got the memo from the league that they will try like hell to get Canadian teams into the Stanley Cup Finals…but come on…AND I DON’T EVEN LIKE DETROIT!!!!!
I’ll be back in a couple of days about the second round match-ups…..ugh
Yeah, it’s the same picture, but it’s late and I’m tired.
by Michael Barker who doesn’t have enough hours in the day.
The records indicate this is the stronger conference, and match-ups should be closer as well.
#1 Detroit Red Wings vs. #8 Calgary Flames
The Red Wings never seem to re-build but just re-load. This year is no exception as they staved off a very eager and talented Nashville team to win the Central Division and earn the #1 slot in the West. The Flames seemingly backed into the playoffs thanks to the same Nashville team beating the surging Colorado Avalanche late in the season. The regular season series was dead-locked at 2-2…but
Prediction: With the Flames playing poor hockey right now, I think that Detroit can get out of the first round for a change. Detroit in five (only because I hate picking sweeps)
#2 Anaheim Ducks vs. #7 Minnesota Wild
Pacific Division winner Anaheim has one of the best teams in the playoffs. Being on the left coast, most have not seen them. Chris Pronger joined them this season and he looks to make another shot at the Cup. The Minnesota Wild are the Western Conference version of the New Jersey Devils without Martin Brodeur.
Prediction: While the regular season series was a 2-2 split, I’ll take the Ducks in five.
#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Dallas Stars
Another 2-2 regular season split, and this is the first series (so far) that could go to seven games. To be honest, I don’t care much for either of these teams and therefore don’t know enough about them.
Prediction: Vancouver has the best shot of taking a Canadian team into the second round. As much as I would have liked to see an eventual Dallas/Nashville match-up, I’ll take the Canucks in seven.
#4 Nashville Predators vs. #5 San Jose Sharks
The Predators tried to hang onto the Central Division all year, but were eventually surpassed by Detroit. San Jose is still a strong team, but Johnathan Cheechoo did not have the season he did last year.
Prediction: This should be the most exciting match-up of the first round. I’ll take the 3-1 winner of the regular season. Nashville in seven.
As much as you don’t want to read it…I’m still going to post it.
By: Michael Barker
The two month chase to Lord Stanley’s Cup begins later this week. Here is a look at the four match-ups in the Eastern Conference.
#1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #8 New York Islanders
Due to one more victory than the Detroit Red Wings, the Sabres have won the President’s Trophy for the best record of the regular season. While it gives the Sabres home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs, the regular season leader has not won the Stanley Cup since Detroit did it in 2001. The Islanders however won their way into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season by beating New Jersey in overtime on Easter Sunday. The regular season record between these two teams is 3-1 with Buffalo holding the advantage.
Prediction: Buffalo has too many weapons and the Islanders will be lucky to win one game. I’d rather have seen Buffalo vs. Toronto. Buffalo in five.
#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa won the regular season match-ups 3-1, but anyone who knows hockey will tell you that this series will come down to the play of New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur. He usually shines in the playoffs, so it will be up to Vinny LeCavalier and Martin St. Louis of Tampa to crack the defensive scheme of the Devils.
Prediction: The ‘Ning play strong, but New Jersey wins in six.
#3 Atlanta Thrashers vs. #6 New York Rangers
Atlanta won the Southeast Division this year and are hoping that it turns into the same thing it did for the last two winners of the division. Carolina last season, and Tampa three seasons ago won the last two Stanley Cups. As for New York, the years of high paying rosters have finally paid off in a playoff appearance. Atlanta won the regular season series 3-1, however…
Prediction: With hockey ratings being so low, the league will stop at nothing to get the large media market of New York into a second round match-up with Buffalo. Rangers in six.
#4 Ottawa Senators vs. #5 Pittsburgh Penguins
Poor Ottawa. The Canadian capital has the honor of having the only team from thier country in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Their opponent is regarded by some to be a future dynasty in the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens hold the regular season edge 3-1, and many are wondering if the future is now.
Prediction: While they have no recent playoff experience as a franchise, the Pens should continue their dominance of Ottawa and have Canadians watching Calgary and Vancouver for hope. Pens win in six.
Stay tuned tomorrow for a look at the Western Conference
With only a week and a half left in the regular season, here’s a look at some things on the ice.
by Michael Barker, who needs to realize that log-ins are case sensitive.
As an avid hockey fan, even I have to admit that this season has been rather ho-hum. However, a couple of late stories have caught my attention.
After years of being bottom feeders of the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to make the playoffs. With their win over the Washington Capitals last Tuesday, the Pens end a six-year playoff drought which has given them 7 first round picks which are now coming into fruition. Also, the Pens have overtaken the New Jersey Devils for first place in the Atlantic Division and putting them second overall in the Eastern Conference. If the lead holds, it would be the first division title for the Penguins since the 1997-98 season. Not bad for a team that was rumored to be moving to Kansas City as far back as a month ago.
The Penguins have their new stadium deal, but will have to suffer at least one more season in the Igloo. I guess Sidney Crosby has indeed filled Mario Lemieux’s shoes in saving the Pens…although Mario had a big hand in this one too.
While fighting is frowned upon the the NHL these days, I have to address the Nashville/Dallas feud that is starting to brew. In case you missed it, a couple weeks ago the Dallas Stars were in Nashville for an important Western Conference match-up. Jordin Tootoo, an enforcer for the Predators, took a run at Dallas captain Mike Modano (and given a charging penalty for said hit). Tootoo, knowing that retaliation was coming, turned around and threw a punch at the upcoming Stephane Robidas which not only knocked him out, but gave him a concussion and caused him to leave the game on a stretcher. Most overlooked the fact that while said knock-out punch was being delivered, Modano was striking Tootoo’s back with his stick…more on that in a moment…meanwile, Tootoo was suspended by the league for five games, and Robidas was out for a week.
Later in the same game, Mike Modano scores a goal which gives him the most goals in the NHL by an American-born player (over Joey Mullen). There is no stoppage of play, or any recognition what-so-ever by Nashville. This makes the Dallas management quite upset, and on sports radio the next day there are some interviews that are played lambasting the Nashville organization for both incidents.
Readers note: At this point, the facts have been stated…it’s time for some editorializing.
Here’s the way I see it.
First, I must state for the record, and those who don’t know me, that being a St. Louis Blues fan, I have no love for the Nashville Predators. Second, Jordin Tootoo’s life is an amazing story. I could write a complete post just on this guy…first Inuit (eskimo for those not quite PC enough) to play in the NHL. Had his brother commit suicide just before he broke into the NHL, etc. (you get the idea) He’s an enforcer…his stat line reads like this: 3 goals, 4 assists, 104 penalty minutes in 61 games played. He’s on the ice for one reason, to disrupt the flow of his opponent’s offense…by whatever means necessary. Anyways…he takes a run at his opponent’s best player, so he knows that SOMEONE is going to take a run at him. If you’ve seen the footage, he takes a look over his right shoulder…just long enough to see that he’s going to be challenged…and he reacted. Was he just supposed to take his licks? Would you? I don’t think so. This isn’t a Chris Simon stick-chuck to the chin either. And as stated above, as the punch was being delivered, Modano was up and aware enough to DO a Chris Simon hack of the stick to the back of Tootoo…but hey, he’s Mike Modano, greatest American-born player in the NHL, so we’ll just overlook that one. And to the Dallas management being upset about the lack of recognition for the Modano goal, I’ve lived in Nashville for five years and sat in the Gaylord Entertainment Center for games. If there had been a stoppage in play after the Tootoo ejection, the Pred fans would have been booing throughout the stoppage. Second, in the NHL, if there is a chance of a player breaking a record, or surpassing a milestone on the road, a visiting team must let the home team know what said visiting team would like to see. The Stars asked the Predators for the netting of the goal, which was given…in other words, the Preds gave the Stars all that they asked for. I think that GM David Poile knew what he was doing and decided that team management should take the criticism instead of their fans.
Stay tuned next week for a playoff preview and thoughts on first-round match-ups.
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