Smolenak’s First, Avery Suspended
Radek Smolenak played in his first NHL game last night and decided to mark the occasion by dropping the glvoes with tough middleweight Arron Asham. It was the only fight from six games on the NHL schedule.
There could have been more fireworks, but the NHL put that fuse out by suspending Sean Avery.
Video from ESPN of Avery after the jump.
Some feel Avery stepped over the line. Some think the NHL needs to relax.
While a bit much for off-ice smack talk (and nothing special for on-ice), it was the fact that it was Avery who said it, the attention he got, and the NHL‘s fears of on-ice retaliation and injuries that could come from a premeditated event. Similarities to Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore jump out, and that’s probably why the NHL felt the need to prevent the situation from possibly happening.
The Stars and Flames do play three more times this season with the next meeting on Feb 3. Avery’s suspension will most likely be a short one, but whether he’ll still be wearing a Dallas jersey by then is anyone’s guess.
A long three
If you take a look at the boxscore from last weekend’s Wild-Preds game, you’ll see Derek Boogaard‘s stat line and all of three seconds of ice time. A decent amount, considering…
Boogaard went to the box for five minutes, then was on the ice just long enough to skate to the bench. In the box score, his shift was recorded as three seconds.
“And I think that was generous,” he said. “That must have been a long whistle.”
Poker tourney
The poker tournament on Full Tilt was small, but the table was fun. I know: it was a low-key, last minute announcement. Next time I’ll put up a notice here in advance and we should have a nice turnout. We’re eyeing the second week in January.
Videos added
Radek Smolenak vs Arron Asham Dec 2, 2008
Jeff Finger vs Derek Armstrong Dec 1, 2008
Cody McLeod vs Craig Weller Dec 1, 2008
Mike Brown vs Jared Boll Dec 1, 2008
Some reads
Prosecutors: Two officials negligent in Cherepanov’s death
Habs could feel ripple effects of owner’s loan
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like the 1970s
Lemaire sits Clutterbuck again, challenges him to play at his best
Kostitsyn might need reality check
Kovalchuk soldiers on, Oil’s not well, and the Norris race
Kesler won’t forgive Umberger
With Tocchet, you always know where you stand
