Simon Dissected

Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated took an in-depth look at New York Islanders forward Chris Simon.  The premise is simple, yet reflects the complex nature of Simon’s role: how can so many players, including those not on the Islanders, have so much respect for Simon when he’s been suspended as many times as he has.

A series of quotes and a timeline of incidents later, Simon comes off exactly as he did before: a good teammate who’s made his share of mistakes on the ice.

Just as interesting as Farber’s piece might be Chris Botta’s reaction.  Botta, VP of Media Relations for the Islanders, didn’t think Simon got a fair shake, that a few incidents have overshadowed what seems to be a stellar reputation.  While I didn’t read it as harshly as Botta has, Farber was quite critical at times, especially when dimissing any concussion Simon may have sustained after the hit from Ryan Hollweg.  After a year on the Island, perhaps Simon’s reputation as a good teammate has extended into the front office and Botta’s only doing what anyone would do for a good teammate.

Thorburn wants your vote

Chris Thorburn is currently featured on thrashers.com.

He also admits exploring hockeyfights.com, which is not so much a guilty pleasure as it is a scouting mission.

“I’ve checked it out a couple of times,” said the winger, who earned 333 PIMs in 253 games in the Ontario Hockey League. “If you’re playing against a guy and you want to see what he’s all about, if you haven’t seen him, then you check him out. I know guys talk about it in the dressing room, ‘Did you see that fight last night?’ So it’s just somewhere I can go back and check some recaps of what happened the nights before as far as the physical parts are concerned.”

He does, however, take issue with their scoring system.

“They don’t give me too good scores. So I might have to complain about that,” he said with a laugh. “But they do a great job. It draws a lot of fans and that’s helped sell our game.”

...and thank you.  Hey, if there’s a way to win over this crowd…

A break for Koci

David Koci was bloodied last night by Zdeno Chara.  While it appeared Koci might have been cut in the forehead, it’s hard to forget his nose was just banged up by Wade Belak.  The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Koci left with a cut on the bridge of his nose.  Koci’s a warrior, no doubt, but he might want to let that heal a little before testing it again so soon.

Show that again

William Houston of the Globe and Mail highlights some of Ralph Mellanby’s new book, Walking With Legends.  Specifically he covers the television rules for showing fights on Hockey Night in Canada, and some policy changes.  A worthwhile read.

Videos added

Riley Cote vs Andre Roy Oct 25, 2007
Scott Hartnell vs Vincent Lecavalier Oct 25, 2007
David Koci vs Zdeno Chara Oct 25, 2007
Matt Foy vs Mark Smith Oct 24, 2007
Stephane Veilleux vs Dion Phaneuf Oct 24, 2007
Vincent Lecavalier vs Shaone Morrisonn Oct 24, 2007

Some reads

Pregame peril in the NHL
CSN hires Clement as color analyst
Hope at last for Chicago
Lindros ready to move on
Amber’s 10 Degrees: NHL’s dirtiest plays
Americans could be looking at another strong draft
Veilleux rethinks ill-timed fight