Roy-Koci Cap Off Light Night

Just two fights from nine games last night in the NHL.

Matt Bradley took on new Florida Panther Garth Murray in Washington.  Fight or not, the fans who attended will remember the eleven round shootout.

Over in Chicago heavyweights Andre Roy and David Koci dropped the gloves.

Hartnell Receives Non-“Mega” Suspension

Scott Hartnell was suspended two games for his hit on Andrew Alberts.

Anaheim Ducks General Manger brought up the megasuspensions during a GM conference call with the league Monday according to Bob McKenzie:

On the mega-suspensions of 20 and 25 games to Steve Downie and Jesse Boulerice, respectively: Burke had questioned whether the GMs ever signed off on or were advised of a dramatic change in standards for supplementary discipline, but was told each discipline situation is handled on a case by case basis and that the two big suspensions are not necessarily indicative of a sweeping across the board change to the approach on supplementary discipline.

Hartnell-Related:
Hartnell is latest Flyer to get hit with a suspension
Bruins’ Alberts mum on Hartnell suspension
Flyers’ Hartnell gets two-game suspension
Bad rep catching up with Flyers

Videos added

Andre Roy vs David Koci Nov 28, 2007
Garth Murray vs Matt Bradley Nov 28, 2007
Derek Dorsett vs Darryl Boyce Nov 24, 2007
Jeff Szwez vs Nathan Perrott Nov 24, 2007
Olivier Labelle vs Richard Clune Nov 16, 2007

Some reads

Rangers’ Sean Avery to have wrist surgery Thursday
Will Ovechkin follow Hanlon out of Washington?
Smiling through the work
B’s Alberts fortunate
Obscurity suits Waddell just fine
Is Tavares the Next Great One?
NHL may skip Olympics after 2010

A Strong Silence

I get a lot of email from this site.  When something big happens, my inbox booms.  When Scott Hartnell hit Andrew Alberts yesterday, the emails started to flow.  The tougher the player, the harsher the emails.  When Jesse Boulerice crosschecked Ryan Kesler, the average message was something along the lines of Boulerice not needing to do something like that because he can fight, so he should receive a lengthy suspension.

Curiously, I didn’t receive one email about Scott Parker crosschecking Dion Phaneuf, before fighting Eric Godard last Saturday.

When Phaneuf laid out Jiri Hudler with an open-ice hit last night, it was a good reminder why.  No penalty was called on Phaneuf, nor should one be, although he does leave the ice perfectly before making contact.  Let’s call it somewhere in between skates on ice and a Cam Janssen hit.  Legal or not, outside of your hometown, you don’t make a lot of fans taking out the opposition like that.  Calgary‘s one of the most vocal towns on this site, and not one complaint, go figure.

Videos added

Todd Fedoruk vs Francis Lessard Feb 5, 2004
Dale Purinton vs Wade Belak Dec 13, 2003
Brian Sutherby vs Brad Isbister Nov 27, 2007
Dion Phaneuf vs Andreas Lilja Nov 27, 2007

Also: the scrum towards the end of the Ducks at Canucks game is on the game page.

Some reads

Ducks winger Bertuzzi recalls fond memories from time in Vancouver
Grimson and NHLPA part ways
Carcillo aims to stay on ice
B’s feel game needs respect
NHL has visions of glory in lucrative China
Van Ryn’s wrist injury a concern

Bruins-Flyers Leads to Another Crushing Hit

Scott Hartnell crunched Andrew Alberts into the boards late in the second period.  Just what do you think the Flyers think that B stands for?

Hartnell received a boarding major and game misconduct.

Alberts did not return to the game.

In a game that had potential to get nasty due to Randy Jones’ hit on Patrice Bergeron a month ago, and saw Jeremy Reich and Ben Eager fight just a few minutes into the game, things remained relatively tame after Hartnell’s hit.

Zdeno Chara said the team chose to only focus on the score:

“It’s something we talked about,” Chara said. “We probably ended up with some bruises, but we have two points and that’s the most important thing right now. It’s up to the league to address things like that.”

Hartnell said he was just finishing his check:

“I did not try to hurt him,” Hartnell explained. “There was no intent at all. I am not that type of player. If you look at all the games this year and past years, I finish my checks every time I have an opportunity.”

The Bruins won the game, 6-3.

Error!

Unfortunately, we were experiencing some errors around these parts yesterday.  I’m working on a permanent fix.  If you run into any errors that last more than a couple of minutes, please let me know.

Videos added

Andrew Peters vs John Erskine Nov 26, 2007
Jeremy Reich vs Ben Eager Nov 26, 2007

Some reads

Lightning put end to sale agreement with group
Ferguson rejects report on firing coach
Top cap-strapping deals in the NHL

An Active End

Sunday’s four games led to five fights, with Eric Godard and DJ King likely making the highlight reels from their toe-to-toe bout.

No bullseyes

A month ago Randy Jones crushed Patrice Bergeron into the boards.  Jones was suspended for two games, and there’s no date set for Bergeron’s return.

Boston and Philadelphia play tonight, and the Bruins say they’re not out for revenge.

Whether or not the B’s want to seek a little justice of their own is unknown, but it’s likely they don’t want to draw attention to the game the way Derek Boogaard did before last week’s Wild-Canucks game.

Reviews fixed

For a couple of days there was a weird error where you could vote on a fight, but not if you left a review.  This has been fixed, sorry about the inconvenience.  Thanks to everyone who wrote in about it.

Videos added

Adam Burish vs Byron Ritchie Nov 25, 2007
Jim Vandermeer vs Jeff Cowan Nov 25, 2007
Mark Smith vs Dan Hinote Nov 25, 2007
Eric Godard vs D.J. King Nov 25, 2007
Steve Ott vs Brendan Shanahan Nov 25, 2007
Mark Bell vs Daniel Carcillo Nov 24, 2007
Mark Bell vs Craig Weller Nov 24, 2007
Darcy Tucker vs Daniel Carcillo Nov 24, 2007

Some reads

Same teams, boring result
Blocking Shots in N.H.L. Involves Skill and Abandon
Injections help Roenick feel less pain
Cullimore succeeds with simplicity
Eat $alary? Burke to lead talks with GMs Monday

Parker and Phaneuf Pregame Leads to Parker and Godard In-Game

Dion Phaneuf and Scott Parker caused a little commotion during the pregame warmup skate before Saturday night’s Flames at Avalanche game.  With the Avs down 4-0, Parker went after Phaneuf, crosschecking him in the corner.  Eric Godard quickly grabbed Parker after that.

Phaneuf was said the pregame incident was mutual, but the in-game strike was over the line:

“No, I didn’t appreciate it,” said Phaneuf, 23. “But in saying that, I don’t know if he lost his temper or what happened. But, no, I’m all for playing physical, it’s my style of game, but, uh, that was a little bit dirty.”

Phaneuf added: “He’s got a job to do. That is his job, to play that agitating style, and he does it well. My job is to play that physical style, too, so we clash sometimes.”

The Calgary Herald added this from Keenan:

“We could’ve lost Dion Phaneuf for the season,” said Keenan. “There should be a major suspension to this guy.”

Voros lays out Novotny

During Friday night’s Blue Jackets at Wild game Aaron Voros peeked out of the penalty box and stepped out right into Jiri Novotny.  After laying on the ice for a minute Novotny was able to skate off on his own accord.

The fizzle

Jason Botchford of The Province writes about the explosion that did not happen in Wednesday’s Wild-Canucks game in a piece aptly titled, No elbows, no cheap shots, no revenge.

Tom Powers of The Pioneer Press shares the sentiment.

It’s not uncommon for any hyped-up game to not explode, but actually be especially tame.  Once the eyes and ears of the fans, media and league are all focused on one game, no one is looking to pick up a suspension or fine and everything mellows out quickly.  Liability, if something were to happen, is something Bob McKenzie touched upon before the game.

A couple of days before The Province printed some quotes from and about Derek Boogaard.

No doggie bags for Domi

Tie Domi will be remembered for a lot of things from his playing career, but Victor Chi brings up a lesser reminisced story:

It’s somewhat fitting the Coyotes are the forefront of this culinary sales tactic. When the franchise was still based in Winnipeg, Tie Domi earned some recognition for his voracious appetite. He is a member of the 48 oz Club at Don Shula’s Steak House in Florida. The requirement for induction? Finishing the 48 oz Shula Cut steak in a single seating. One of Domi’s old teammates claims he cheated by slipping some hunks of beef into his pockets, but what would you expect from a guy who racked up over 3,500 PIMs?

Maybe the next step of the promotion is to see if a fan can out-eat Domi.

Videos added

David Koci vs Zack Stortini Nov 24, 2007
Eric Godard vs Scott Parker Nov 24, 2007
Aaron Downey vs Jared Boll Nov 24, 2007
Aaron Downey vs Jody Shelley Nov 24, 2007
Bryan McCabe vs Steve Ott Nov 23, 2007
Jody Shelley vs Derek Boogaard Nov 23, 2007
Chris Clark vs Scott Hartnell Nov 23, 2007
Donald Brashear vs Riley Cote Nov 23, 2007
Tim Jackman vs Jeremy Reich Nov 23, 2007
Georges Laraque vs Brian McGrattan Nov 22, 2007

Some reads

Bert to play at GM Place
DeBrusk knew his way around a hockey fight
Bowling outing a quick strike for team unity
Walker could return soon

Players: Remove Instigator, Up Respect

Eric Lindros, newly appointed NHLPA ombudsman, said the NHLPA has visited four teams so far in their fall tour.  Addressing a question about concussions and what can be done about them from Ron McLean on Hockey Night in Canada: Hockey Tonight, Lindros mentioned equipment and respect.  Lindros said all four teams mentioned getting rid of the instigator rule as a way to increase respect for other players on the ice.

If you’d like to see the segment, go to cbc.ca, click “Videos”, then CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada on the left, then Interviews (still on the left), then “Nov 17: Eric Lindros” in the middle.  The part I’m referring to is at about 5:53.  Thanks for making that easy CBC.

Ducks add a little more grit

After Phoenix claimed Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers from Anaheim the Ducks went and traded for Brian Sutherby.  Sutherby should fit well on Brian Burke’s Randy Carlyle-coached team.

Videos added

Peter Stevens vs Trevor Koverko Nov 11, 2007
Tim Spencer vs Richard Clune Nov 10, 2007
Bo Cheesman vs Lance Galbraith Nov 10, 2007
Brandon Dubinsky vs Jarkko Ruutu Nov 17, 2007
Mark Stuart vs Tom Kostopoulos Nov 17, 2007
Zdeno Chara vs Guillaume Latendresse Nov 17, 2007
Mark Stuart vs Andrei Kostitsyn Nov 17, 2007
Andrew Alberts vs Tom Kostopoulos Nov 17, 2007
Jody Shelley vs D.J. King Nov 16, 2007
Tim Jackman vs David Clarkson Nov 16, 2007
Donald Brashear vs Andre Roy Nov 16, 2007

Some reads

On-ice chatter is worth a chuckle
Favorite, inside Avs memories over the years
Villains are part of the play
Harkening back to rough past
Glass Applying for Enforcer Job
Habs pay tribute to Big Bird
There’s no ignoring Avery’s impact
Bertuzzi is nearly recovered from concussion

Instigating

Nick Boynton was supsended for last night’s Coyotes game against the Sharks due to the instigator penalty he picked up Monday night, when he went after Steve Bernier (he wasn’t the first ‘Yote to do so that night).

Boynton is not thrilled about the late-game instigator rule:

“I think it’s a little stupid. If I had gotten to him (earlier), I wouldn’t be suspended, so it seems kind of a little stupid to me, especially when a guy like that deserves what he gets. But what are you gonna do?”

The very next night, Chris Pronger received an instigator when he threw punches at Michal Handzus at the end of overtime.  The league determined the fight wasn’t premediated and did not suspend Pronger.

GWG

That’s Game-Winning Georges.  Georges Laraque provided the winning goal for the Penguins last night in their victory over the Islanders.  BGL’s last goal was 40 games ago when he was playing for the Coyotes.

All-Star Dreams

The NHL has modified the All-Star voting process.  Open write-ins are no longer allowed, and it’s doubtful the “Vote for Rory” campaign will be duplicated by anyone this season due to the new system, and simply due to too many copycats.

That hasn’t stopped the suggestions from flowing over at my Votes on You post, and there’s still an open vote over at the forums.  While most likely not possible, a fun discussion nonetheless.

Avery, ivory, living in perfect harmony

The Sean Avery headlines continue.  After picking up a fine for his pre-game festivities with Darcy Tucker, there’s been a lot of commentary.  Here’s a sample:

Time to reel in Avery
Talkin’ trash is easy; backing it up is not
Avery: I didn’t cross the line
Crossing the verbal line
Cherry takes on Avery
Loose Change: Freedom of expressions

Videos added

Colton Orr vs Riley Cote Nov 15, 2007
Mark Bell vs Milan Lucic Nov 15, 2007
Craig Adams vs Doug Janik Nov 14, 2007
Justin Williams vs Brad Richards Nov 14, 2007
Matt Bradley vs Tanner Glass Nov 15, 2007

Some reads

Playing for Pacen
Hull as co-GM is just what the NHL needs
Fighting is fun!
Top 10: Domi lines
How can Gregory justify inducting himself?

Bad Blood

The feud between Sean Avery and Darcy Tucker continued last night, both before and during the Rangers’ shootout win over the Leafs.

Avery and Tucker nearly came to blows during the pre-game warmups:

The one-time plaything of Canadian actress Elisha Cuthbert couldn’t wait to get under the skin of the host Toronto Maple Leafs and quickly took matters into his own ornery hands.

First came a shot at diminutive Jason Blake, followed by a threatening waggle of the stick at the Leafs’ Darcy Tucker. Tucker waved his lumber back at Avery, the two men started jawing at each other, and it was game on.

“He has no sense of class,” an irritated Tucker said after the Leafs’ 3-2 shootout loss to Avery’s New York Rangers last night during the annual Hall of Fame game at the Air Canada Centre. “What goes around, comes around in this game. Through the entire warmup, he would not stop yapping. He comes in there and gets in my face.”

Avery and Tucker were each issued unsportsmanlike conducts during a shoving match in the first period and they followed up with a fight as soon as they stepped out of the penalty box minutes later.

Ray Tells All

Rob Ray has a book coming out this week titled “Rayzor’s Edge: Rob Ray’s Tough Life on the Ice”

The book is slated to start shipping on November 15th. You can pre-order it here. The Buffalo News is also scheduled to have excerpts from Ray’s novel in their paper this week as well.

Singer on the Hot Seat

hockeyfights.com owner David Singer was interviewed by Eric McErlain of The Sporting News earlier this week. Be sure to check it out.

Vote For ?

It’s that time of the season again. Voting for this year’s NHL All-Star Game starts this week but requests to do a “Vote for Rory” type thing for a fighter have been coming in for months. David is considering doing one but is unsure of what player to back.

So who should it be? Derek Boogaard and George Parros seem to be the front runners so far. Wade Belak is getting a lot of love in the forums. Let us know…

Recent Videos Added

Sean Avery vs Darcy Tucker Nov 10, 2007
Ryan Malone vs Jason Smith Nov 10, 2007
Darryl Sydor vs Stefan Ruzicka Nov 10, 2007
Allan Rourke vs Eric Nystrom Nov 10, 2007
Dallas Drake vs James Wisniewski Oct 6, 2007
David Koci vs Derek Boogaard Oct 4, 2007
Scott Hartnell vs Michael Komisarek Nov 1, 2007
Ben Eager vs Tom Kostopoulos Nov 1, 2007

Some Reads

Brodeur has more career points than Wade Belak? Believe it
‘C’ is for champion
Struggling Bergeron discusses health
Sound Tigers getting physical

Votes on You

Even before there was hockeyfights.com, and I was just writing back and forth with other hockey fans, I’ve received emails about starting an All-Star campaign.  Everyone wanted to rock the write-in vote and get a tough guy, or any popular non-scoring, blue collar player into the All-Star game.  Ever since Bob Probert appeared in the 1987-88 All-Star game many fans have been waiting for the next appearance of a tough guy in the famed exhibition game.  Of course, in 1987-88, Probert also had 62 points.

While few have put up points like Probert did that season, it hasn’t been unheard of.  Chris Simon had 29 goals in 1999-00, Chris Neil has averaged 30 points the past two seasons, and Ian Laperriere put up 45 points just two seasons ago.  In what many still call the dead puck era, those aren’t bad numbers from players whose roles often included dropping the gloves.

While I’ve received a lot of email over the years about a write-in campaign, never before did one take off like last season’s Vote for Rory campaign.  It was proof fans could make some waves, thanks to the internet, even if Rory Fitzpatrick didn’t make the All-Star team.

I started getting emails early on this year, many looking to duplicate the Vote for Rory result.  After the oh-so-close numbers, I figure there will be many copycats out there, and I’ve been hesitant to do anything like it myself.  I highly doubt anyone will generate the same buzz Vote for Rory did, especially with the competition that will be out there.

However - the emails are starting to pour in.  The choice hasn’t been unanimous, but Derek Boogaard has had the most mentions so far.  George Parros was another top choices, while one person “blamed” me for his popularity.  Sorry, I haven’t asked anyone to grow a moustache, long hair and fight.  Other repeated names that came up were Wade Belak, Donald Brashear, Eric Godard and Georges Laraque.

So what to do?  Ignore it all?  Start one?  Back one?  Who’s your write-in All-Star?

Cote Puts on a Show

If there’s one thing we’ve come to learn this season, it’s that Riley Cote puts on an entertaining fight.

Cote went toe-to-toe with Arron Asham in what turned out to be last night’s undisputed “fight of the night”. The two fought in the preseason as well.

For those who might be wondering, the Flyers play the Phoenix Coyotes on December 12. A potential battle between former teammates at the minor league level might be an entertaining clash of styles.

Bouillon Delivers Questionable Elbow to Ward

Bruins forward Aaron Ward was knocked out of last night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens after Francis Bouillon hit Ward with an elbow after leaving the penalty box.

Ward stayed down on the ice for a few minutes but eventually left the ice on his own power. No word on Ward’s condition has come out yet.

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli believes the elbow is suspension-worthy:

After the game, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli was asked if Bouillon"s hit would warrant a suspension.

“Oh, yes, I think so,” said Chiarelli.

Clowe Plays the Waiting Game

All Ryane Clowe can do is wait while the swelling in his surgically repaired right knee continually goes down. For now, he’s just working on rehab:

“The first couple of days, it was tough mentally to deal with,” said Clowe, who stayed behind Thursday when the team traveled to Anaheim for tonight’s game. “Now I’m just focused on rehab and, when I do come back, that I’m ready to go.”

Sharks star Joe Thornton says that his teammates all miss what Clowe brings to the table:

“He does it all - he’s physical, he fights, he scores,” center Joe Thornton said. “He gets in the dirty areas.”

Mellanby Isn’t Pleased

Scott Mellanby let the Atlanta Journal-Constitution know that he isn’t very happy with the Atlanta Thrashers right now.

Mellanby apparently met with officials within the organization to discuss a possible position with the team. When Mellanby was turned down, he made his feelings known:

“I gave myself to this organization,” said Mellanby. “I was willing to work for peanuts, next to nothing, to stay in the game. I was placated by several people saying ‘We’d love to have you.’ I was never even called after I left here. All I hear about is how this organization has no money, yet Don (Waddell) and (former coach) Bob (Hartley have contract extensions. If you don’t want me, I’m fine. I’m a big boy. But don’t wine and dine me and turn your back on me. My fear is Brad McCrimmon is going to get the same treatment and he doesn’t deserve that. He deserves to be the coach of this hockey team.”

The piece also discusses how Mellanby almost joined the front office of the Florida Panthers at one point. A definite article to check out.

Recent Videos Added

Riley Cote vs Arron Asham Nov 8, 2007
Ben Eager vs Sheldon Brookbank Nov 8, 2007
Mattias Ohlund vs Dion Phaneuf Nov 8, 2007

Some Reads

Naked Cell Phone Pics, Hockey, and Jiri
With so few games versus the West, NHL schedule doesn’t test Senators
Concussion sidelines Allen
After hit, Gagne still doesn’t feel “right’”
Nick might need to learn to fight to land tag of ‘best European captain’
Panthers coach Martin questions players’ intensity