Chris Simon Returns

Following the announcement of Jesse Boulerice‘s 25-game suspension, the Islanders’ Chris Simon returned from his 25-gamer Saturday night against the Flyers.  He logged 6:19 of ice time and tried to shake off some rust, and show his teammates he’s back by squaring off with Riley Cote.

Simon spoke candidly to Greg Logan of Newsday about the incident last year:

He has seen the image of himself rising on wobbly legs and turning to face Hollweg, who circled back toward him. As horrifying as the visual of Simon’s swinging the stick toward Hollweg’s chin might have been, he noted that his hands remained well apart on the stick, not together.

“I didn’t swing my stick at him,” Simon said. “I chopped him. I know it’s wrong, but it wasn’t a golf swing or a baseball swing like everybody else says. I don’t want to do that again. But I’m still going to play the same way I always have. It was a reaction thing, not an action.

Simon added that he’ll continue to play the same type of game he always has.

Sim out for season

Going back to Logan, he’s reporting Jon Sim will need complete knee reconstructions surgery and miss the remainder of the season:

According to a club official, Sim blew out the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligaments in his left knee in the home opener against Buffalo. The recovery period is considered six to nine months, but there’s virtually no chance Sim could make it back for the playoffs if the Islanders qualify. His return is expected for training camp next September.

Last night

Derek Boogaard took on Brad May and George Parros.  Boogey passed on Parros during the first period.  Michael Russo with the reminder of why:

In April, it was May who suckered non-pugilist Kim Johnsson at the end of Game 4 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

“Brad, he answered the bell,” Wild forward Brian Rolston said. “He did something he knew wasn’t probably right. It was a cheap shot. Tonight, when Boogey lined up with him, he fought him and the drama with that ended quick.”

Videos added

Derek Boogaard vs George Parros Oct 14, 2007
Nick Schultz vs Ryan Getzlaf Oct 14, 2007
Derek Boogaard vs Brad May Oct 14, 2007
Krys Barch vs David Koci Oct 13, 2007
Trevor Daley vs Kevyn Adams Oct 13, 2007
Shane O’Brien vs Gregory Campbell Oct 13, 2007
Zack Stortini vs Jeff Cowan Oct 13, 2007
Chris Simon vs Riley Cote Oct 13, 2007
Luke Richardson vs Brandon Dubinsky Oct 13, 2007
Brian McGrattan vs Colton Orr Oct 13, 2007
Milan Lucic vs Raitis Ivanans Oct 12, 2007
Byron Ritchie vs Matt Greene Oct 12, 2007
Adam Burish vs Dallas Drake Oct 12, 2007

Some reads

Moms gone Wild: Minnesota players have maternal presence on trip
Some of the largest suspensions for violent acts in the NHL
Avery Injury Gives Scatchard a Shot
New travel on schedule
Boston lawyer may take over as head of NHL union