Canucks and Blues Battle
There was only one fight last night, and it predictably came from the Vancouver–St Louis game. The two teams are #3 and #4 in the NHL in fighting majors.
As things got testy in the neutral zone, pushes and whacks were exchanged, players gathered and after being greeted by Dan Hinote, Kevin Bieksa dropped the gloves. The two exchanged punches as a scrum continued.
The Canucks came back a couple of times in the game, finally prevailing 6-4 in the end.
Avery in Hartford
Sean Avery‘s made his way to Hartford via Dallas. It is expected the Stars will put him on re-entry waivers soon and that the Rangers will claim him. Avery has said that he will not be doing interviews while he’s with the Wolf Pack.
hockeyfights.com fan favorite Brandon Sugden has been friends with Avery for thirteen years. He spoke with The Syracuse Post-Standard’s Lindsay Kramer about his long-time buddy join the Pack:
“I used to party with him back in the day. He walked in and saw me and started howling. We reminisced about the good old days, that was it. I don’t think he’s that bad. He says things people say all the time. He just says it in front of the media. He’s a great player, and he’s probably the best rat in the game. I think he’s a decent guy. He came in today, was very nice, introduced himself to a bunch of guys. He’s just a regular guy. Everybody has made mistakes in the past. I know a couple of players had some bad things to say about him, but not the whole team.”
Sugar told me they skated on the first line together yesterday in practice, “or the fourth, whichever way you want to see it.”
Videos added
Kevin Bieksa vs Dan Hinote Feb 10, 2009
Colton Orr vs Michael Rupp Feb 9, 2009
Erik Reitz vs David Clarkson Feb 9, 2009
Some reads
Two minutes in the box with Matt Walker
Bruce Boudreau and Pro Wrestling
Tampa Bay Lightning coach Rick Tocchet didn’t know about Mike Smith’s concussion
Schenn and friends pick up a large tab
Capitals, Officials Address Concerns Over Quality of Verizon Center Ice
Mike Richards expects to return Thursday
Joe Thornton returns to Hub a little older, a lot wiser
Irondale’s Gjere kind of a big deal on skates
