Weber Continues Busy Week
If it feels like Shea Weber has been mentioned around these parts a lot lately, it’s because he really has been. Weber extended his consecutive games with a fight streak to three on Thursday, taking on R.J. Umberger during the third period of Predators–Jackets.
While a scrum developed on the side of the Nashville net, Umberger took exception to a late hit on him by Weber, getting to his feet and shoving him. A linesmen attempted to separate the two but eventually opted to let them go after punches were being thrown. Prior to the Umberger bout, Weber handed Andreas Lilja a concussion in a fight last Saturday and then battled with Jason Strudwick in a sprited scrap on Tuesday.
Two other fights occurred last night as well. Ben Ondrus exchanged blows in a wild one with Matt Bradley during Leafs–Caps and Sean O’Donnell challenged Krys Barch in a come-from-behind win for the Kings over the Stars.
Avery returns, Rechlicz debuts
Returning to the NHL scene last night was Sean Avery, who helped the Rangers snag a 4-2 win over the Islanders. The line on Avery was that he played like his old self. He yapped at many an opposing player, dished out some hard hits and took some as well. And even though Avery readily admits that the counseling he went through has made him a better person, he still intends on being one of the league’s most despised players:
But the controversial forward, who underwent weeks of behavioral counseling in the NHL’s program, said his altered mindset wouldn’t totally bury his in-your-face style against opponents.
“Even a milder version of Sean Avery is still,” he said with a grin, “not that mild.”
On the opposite side of things, it was Joel Rechlicz who was making his NHL debut for New York’s other team. Rechlicz’s story is an interesting one to say the least. After spending the majority of this season in the ECHL, “Wrecker” was called up to Bridgeport of the AHL for a trio of games and then to the big club last night. He even managed to record an assist and make it appear that he can compete at the NHL level, which should be a pleasant surprise for some fans on Long Island.
Videos added
Krys Barch vs Sean O’Donnell Mar 5, 2009
R.J. Umberger vs Shea Weber Mar 5, 2009
Ben Ondrus vs Matt Bradley Mar 5, 2009
Jay Rosehill vs Matt Clackson Mar 4, 2009
Brent Henley vs Josh Gratton Mar 4, 2009
Some reads
Laraque’s Status Unknown, a Jump for Wrecker
Enforcer’s father hates watching son fight
Gainey gives a vote of confidence
Coyotes are current on arena lease payments to Glendale
Deal enables Sharks to up the toughness
Lucic ready to punch back in
The $450,000 fourth-round pick
