Ok, maybe that headline is a bit misleading. The Flyers aren't fighting like they used to back in the 70's and 80's, but if you took a poll of NHL fans, the Flyers are once again the league's most hated team because of several suspendable offenses this season.
The latest incident occurred this evening as Scott Hartnell checked Boston defenseman Andrew Alberts head first into the boards when he was on his knees and pretty much defenseless. Thankfully, Alberts wasn't injured so Hartnell which could mitigate the length of any possible suspension, which might be a Godsend since Hartnell has finally started playing better. I wish I had video of the hit, but all I have is the above picture.
The question now becomes whether Hartnell will be suspended. I'm guessing he will be based upon prior instances this season. Plus, from what I could tell, the hit was pretty gratuitous. Hartnell could have eased up and not hit a defenseless player. So, will the NHL let Hartnell slide since Alberts wasn't hurt, or will they try to send a mesage to the Orange & Black in an effort to cut off future incidents. Before we answer that questions, lets look at the prior incidents, which have already led to suspensions.
Randy Jones (3 game suspension):
The sad thing is that while this is the most innocuous hit, Patrice Bergeron may never play again as he recovers from this concussion. That being said, I still say the kid contributed to the injury by how he positioned himself with his face six inches from the boards even before he was hit.
Jesse Boulerice (25 game suspension):
This one was just plain stupid and absolutely vicious. I like physical, take no prisoners hockey, but this hit went over the line. I doubt Boulerice will ever play in the NHL again as he had a similar stick incident back in Juniors.
By the way, my favorite part of that clip is at the one minute mark, when you finally see the hit and Coatesy glumly says, "and, he got him pretty good."
Steve Downie (20 game suspension):
This is actually my favorite hit of the last ten years. If Brian Dawkins had did this on T.O., we'd be holding a parade. The hit reminds me of Tito Santana's flying burrito from the 80's.
In any event, Downie's suspension is nearly over and I wouldn't be shocked to see him take Hartnell's spot should he get suspended.
Now that we are faced with the Flyers fourth offense which could lead to a suspension in only the first quarter of the season, the issue of whether the Flyers are a dirty team is legitimate. However, I'm guessing that in this town, no one really cares. They want to see old time hockey and the Orange & Black sure are delivering this year.
Sure the Flyers played like sh*t and lost tonight to the Bruins, but they are once again making headlines. While a few less clunkers like tonight's game would be nice, I sure don't mind being the scourge of the NHL.
The latest incident occurred this evening as Scott Hartnell checked Boston defenseman Andrew Alberts head first into the boards when he was on his knees and pretty much defenseless. Thankfully, Alberts wasn't injured so Hartnell which could mitigate the length of any possible suspension, which might be a Godsend since Hartnell has finally started playing better. I wish I had video of the hit, but all I have is the above picture.
The question now becomes whether Hartnell will be suspended. I'm guessing he will be based upon prior instances this season. Plus, from what I could tell, the hit was pretty gratuitous. Hartnell could have eased up and not hit a defenseless player. So, will the NHL let Hartnell slide since Alberts wasn't hurt, or will they try to send a mesage to the Orange & Black in an effort to cut off future incidents. Before we answer that questions, lets look at the prior incidents, which have already led to suspensions.
Randy Jones (3 game suspension):
The sad thing is that while this is the most innocuous hit, Patrice Bergeron may never play again as he recovers from this concussion. That being said, I still say the kid contributed to the injury by how he positioned himself with his face six inches from the boards even before he was hit.
Jesse Boulerice (25 game suspension):
This one was just plain stupid and absolutely vicious. I like physical, take no prisoners hockey, but this hit went over the line. I doubt Boulerice will ever play in the NHL again as he had a similar stick incident back in Juniors.
By the way, my favorite part of that clip is at the one minute mark, when you finally see the hit and Coatesy glumly says, "and, he got him pretty good."
Steve Downie (20 game suspension):
This is actually my favorite hit of the last ten years. If Brian Dawkins had did this on T.O., we'd be holding a parade. The hit reminds me of Tito Santana's flying burrito from the 80's.
In any event, Downie's suspension is nearly over and I wouldn't be shocked to see him take Hartnell's spot should he get suspended.
Now that we are faced with the Flyers fourth offense which could lead to a suspension in only the first quarter of the season, the issue of whether the Flyers are a dirty team is legitimate. However, I'm guessing that in this town, no one really cares. They want to see old time hockey and the Orange & Black sure are delivering this year.
Sure the Flyers played like sh*t and lost tonight to the Bruins, but they are once again making headlines. While a few less clunkers like tonight's game would be nice, I sure don't mind being the scourge of the NHL.
So what do you guys think? How long will Hartnell be suspended.
1 comment:
eff hockey
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