Maybe I will take another look at it, atleast you provide a normal conversation. Unlike your buddies that end up in here every single day.
- nbartley9

I don't deny that you guys would have been upset by it, but to say it was intentional when boychuk was moving about 1/3 speed is a bit over the top. We've all seen him hit, he never comes in that slow.

Ehh only when relevant to the situation, you know like a Pens/Isles playoff series, hell even a Pens/Isles regular season game is acceptable for coming in here and spreading some joy. You guys pop up in here every single day, regardless of situation and relevance.


We have a weird fish avatar sighting every day, commenting on what color underwear Sid has on that day; and the fact that Letang has no body hair what so ever, or the flavor of floss Geno has in his garbage can that evening.

I don't want to know how he knows these things but he does, and he feels the need to comment on these creepy things day in and day out. It is very awkward
- nbartley9

They have a battered spouse complex barts. All those years being smacked around and embarrassed in every game, the isles fans just crave another punch like dipietro got or another first round exit.

Interesting view, but I looked at it as a catalyst to jump start his team into getting 2pts.
- nbartley9

The ends do not justify the means in this case. He was lucky that the Penguins hit the post on the major. If that goes in, Pens get all the momentum and probably pot another one, first period Pens up 2-1.

Just because it ended well for the Flyers doesn't mean it was a good idea.

watch it again, boychuk wasn't looking at malkin, he was looking at the puck coming around the boards behind him and moving up - if you also watch that clip past the hit and through to the next whistle you'll see Boychuk apologizing to Malkin - there was no intent there.

Now go back to downie targeting Boychuk's leg earlier at top speed.

I think you all have been listening to your hilariously slanted broadcasting crew way too long.
- Isles_since_6

Will look at it again... Fair enough about Downie... I include Penguins i that evaluation.

Looks like incidental contact but cant be 100 percent sure... should have been an interference penalty... But i ask again ... would the NHL have suspended Boychuk if Malkin tore up his knee... I think the answer is a resounding YES!!!! and thats a problem...

First and most importantly, I wish nothing but the best for Kris Letang.

As for the blog, you are 100% right. The blame lies on the shoulders of the NHLPA, the NHL, and the NHLPS. However, I differ with your rationale. How often did this type of injury occur 15 years ago?? How often 10 years ago? One of the most interesting dynamics in sports in general (not just hockey) is the over protection of players by rules and equipment.

Hockey (in its nature, and amendments to rules) has become increasing faster. Equipment has become more like body armor. Those two in combination with taking pressure off of the player to protect himself is exactly why these injuries you speak of occur. 20 years ago, Letang would have known that hit was coming, he would have absorbed the hit by bracing himself up against the glass. Now, players understand that they have a few feet of "free room" where they cannot be hit. It is something that they all use to their advantage. It is incredibly dangerous.

I am not blaming Letang. The problem is that the rules in place to protect players, also leave them incredibly vulnerable. Its a pretty scary catch 22.

Suspend Rinaldo for a decade. It wont change a thing.
- jak521

to be fair, 20 years ago it was much more acceptable to return to play after your "bell was rung". Still, I agree that the pads and rules are turning players into wrecking balls out there.

I lost respect for the league when they shortened the suspension handed down to Torres for his hit on Hossa.

Will look at it again... Fair enough about Downie... I include Penguins i that evaluation.
- Brianandr1

looking again at the longer replay of it from a wider angle, you can see Boychuk play the puck back in deep to the opposite corner, and watch it, then realize he was going to run into malkin at the last second. The replay also shows him approaching the pens bench apologizing. He's a classy guy, he doesn't want to hurt anyone like that.

Your team obviously isn't all like downie, he's the only real turd this year, but because of the years of cooke and neal to name two, it just prolongs the stereotype when you continue to dress those kinds of guys.

The ends do not justify the means in this case. He was lucky that the Penguins hit the post on the major. If that goes in, Pens get all the momentum and probably pot another one, first period Pens up 2-1.

Just because it ended well for the Flyers doesn't mean it was a good idea.
- jmatchett383

I also fail to see how in any way but hindsight he can say it sparked anything either. As you said, it put them in a bad spot and they could've folded right there. I guess kudos to the rest of them for elevating their play.

Voracek probably did more to spark them if you ask me. Both situations seemed stupid. Didn't care for either. But taking Voracek and Scuderi off the ice clearly wins over losing our most versatile blue liner for the rest of the game and maybe the next few.

to be fair, 20 years ago it was much more acceptable to return to play after your "bell was rung". Still, I agree that the pads and rules are turning players into wrecking balls out there.
- BulliesPhan87

Im not saying players were not concussed. You know me and my background. I applaud the efforts that are being made to keep guys from getting back out there. I just think that rule changes and equipment changes have changed things like "getting your bell rung" to "unable to walk to the kitchen or remember your childs name".

I also fail to see how in any way but hindsight he can say it sparked anything either. As you said, it put them in a bad spot and they could've folded right there. I guess kudos to the rest of them for elevating their play.

Voracek probably did more to spark them if you ask me. Both situations seemed stupid. Didn't care for either. But taking Voracek and Scuderi off the ice clearly wins over losing our most versatile blue liner for the rest of the game and maybe the next few.
- HopintheCordoba

really did not like seeing letang hurt. He's not a favorite, but I'd much rather see him play. He's had enough health issues to go through and that hit was flat out dirty and unnecessary.

looking again at the longer replay of it from a wider angle, you can see Boychuk play the puck back in deep to the opposite corner, and watch it, then realize he was going to run into malkin at the last second. The replay also shows him approaching the pens bench apologizing. He's a classy guy, he doesn't want to hurt anyone like that.

Your team obviously isn't all like downie, he's the only real turd this year, but because of the years of cooke and neal to name two, it just prolongs the stereotype when you continue to dress those kinds of guys.
- Isles_since_6

Looks like incidental contact but cant be 100 percent sure... should have been an interference penalty... But i ask again ... would the NHL have suspended Boychuk if Malkin tore up his knee... I think the answer is a resounding YES!!!! and thats the problem with NHL discipline ... Boychuk is classy yes

I know we were down defensively after Letang left and Martin/Scuderi both took on a ton of minutes, but I can't see how or why Scuderi keeps being pushed into 4 on 4 situations let alone the 4 on 3. That's not his fault, but he is limited. A timeout was called yet he was still pressed there intead of using Ehrhoff or Martin again.

Tough spot but that can't happen. Maybe even worse is having your 4th line hemmed in with half a miunte left in regulation with a tie. Could've lost out on the lone point. Not the best coached game from the Penguins side.

I also fail to see how in any way but hindsight he can say it sparked anything either. As you said, it put them in a bad spot and they could've folded right there. I guess kudos to the rest of them for elevating their play.

Voracek probably did more to spark them if you ask me. Both situations seemed stupid. Didn't care for either. But taking Voracek and Scuderi off the ice clearly wins over losing our most versatile blue liner for the rest of the game and maybe the next few.
- HopintheCordoba

I think he was trying to say from an emotional stand point. His job, hell any agitator or goons job is to help the emotional side of things. Get guys fired up and what not. I think that is what he was trying to aim for with his words.

But then again.. the guy is an idiot so who knows.

First and most importantly, I wish nothing but the best for Kris Letang.

As for the blog, you are 100% right. The blame lies on the shoulders of the NHLPA, the NHL, and the NHLPS. However, I differ with your rationale. How often did this type of injury occur 15 years ago?? How often 10 years ago? One of the most interesting dynamics in sports in general (not just hockey) is the over protection of players by rules and equipment.

Hockey (in its nature, and amendments to rules) has become increasing faster. Equipment has become more like body armor. Those two in combination with taking pressure off of the player to protect himself is exactly why these injuries you speak of occur. 20 years ago, Letang would have known that hit was coming, he would have absorbed the hit by bracing himself up against the glass. Now, players understand that they have a few feet of "free room" where they cannot be hit. It is something that they all use to their advantage. It is incredibly dangerous.

I am not blaming Letang. The problem is that the rules in place to protect players, also leave them incredibly vulnerable. Its a pretty scary catch 22.

Suspend Rinaldo for a decade. It wont change a thing.
- jak521

That's all well and good but it's been this way long enough, and Rinaldo knows he's under a microscope, that he should also have known he's going to have the book thrown at him for anything even borderline. If he can't find other ways to contribulte to the cause, he's just not an NHL talent (which is pretty clear by now). Rinaldo is to blame 100%. If he doesn't know better by now, he's simply not smart/disciplined enough to have a regular roster spot.

That's all well and good but it's been this way long enough, and Rinaldo knows he's under a microscope, that he should also have known he's going to have the book thrown at him for anything even borderline. If he can't find other ways to contribulte to the cause, he's nust not an NHL talent (which is pretty clear by now). Rinaldo is to blame 100%. If he doesn't know better by now, he's simply not smart/disciplined enough to have a regular roster spot.
- BOSS_TWEED

Rinaldo is to blame. There is no questioning that. I wasnt speaking about the hit. Im speaking about the frequency of injury causing hits. When you over protect, bad things will happen. Its like the defenseless receiver rule in football. Guys use to protect themselves. Now they know they cannot be hit. When they are hit, its devastating.

The NHL can punish a guy all they want for throwing the hit. It wont change the outcome.

Thats exactly why you guys have struggled in the playoffs. Need more grit on the team and you guys could go far.
- GOA88

Yea, need more guys willing to try and purposely injure guys. Its the real manly way to win.

Unless Rinaldo is suspended for 20+ games. The NHL will again fail with player safety.

To say I'm disgusted and agree with 90% of what was included in these comments and the blog itself but I found myself wondering why HCMJ and GMJR didn't just take the team off the ice in the 2nd period.

When the Pens are a contender battling through a tough division, in what 4th place in the league thus far in man-games lost already and have a history of concussions on the team and your opponent makes it readily clear that they have no intention of playing the sport you've brought your team in for then just leave the arena. Could you imagine the NHL having to fight the Penguins organization for that, what would their rationale be: "just sit there and take the beating"? "Fight back and hit dirty too"? "have your 4th line protect your stars"?

This league is a contradiction and it amazes me that so little has changed since to the brain surgeon Shanny brought forward the "Dept of Player Safety" which in and of itself is a joke! The NHL is now turning entirely into a thug league...great job!

[EDIT - I'd love to see some penalties handed down to these thug heavy teams (i.e. Philly) to take away draft picks for repeat suspensions and similar infractions...could you imagine the effect that would have to a Buffalo team icing the John Scott's of the world if you took away 1 or 2 of their 1st rounders this year?]

I think he was trying to say from an emotional stand point. His job, hell any agitator or goons job is to help the emotional side of things. Get guys fired up and what not. I think that is what he was trying to aim for with his words.

But then again.. the guy is an idiot so who knows.
- jak521

Noted. I'm just not sure he really had that much effect. To be honest, although they play that way, I think they were probably frustrated to be in that position at all. They're aware of the issues they have had killing penalties I'm sure. I just think that if anything got them emotionally "fired up" it was arguably their best player this year going after one of our worst for a legal check. Risky gamble when you consider his production.

As per usual, things got ridiculous and our mistakes and some unlucky bounces were the biggest reasons we lost.

Im not saying players were not concussed. You know me and my background. I applaud the efforts that are being made to keep guys from getting back out there. I just think that rule changes and equipment changes have changed things like "getting your bell rung" to "unable to walk to the kitchen or remember your childs name".
- jak521

Oh yeah, not throwing out the whole point. I do think that a lot of the danger from back in the days is overlooked, what with the "tough it out and shake it off" attitude back then. The effort is there, to make the game more safe. But you're right that the unintended side effect is faster, harder hits.

I doubt the NHL moves to slow down the game or soften the pads, though.

To say I'm disgusted and agree with 90% of what was included in these comments and the blog itself but I found myself wondering why HCMJ and GMJR didn't just take the team off the ice in the 2nd period.

When the Pens are a contender battling through a tough division, in what 4th place in the league thus far in man-games lost already and have a history of concussions on the team and your opponent makes it readily clear that they have no intention of playing the sport you've brought your team in for then just leave the arena. Could you imagine the NHL having to fight the Penguins organization for that, what would their rationale be: "just sit there and take the beating"? "Fight back and hit dirty too"? "have your 4th line protect your stars"?

This league is a contradiction and it amazes me that so little has changed since to the brain surgeon Shanny brought forward the "Dept of Player Safety" which in and of itself is a joke! The NHL is now turning entirely into a thug league...great job!


- iworkatinitech[EDIT - I'd love to see some penalties handed down to these thug heavy teams (i.e. Philly) to take away draft picks for repeat suspensions and similar infractions...could you imagine the effect that would have to a Buffalo team icing the John Scott's of the world if you took away 1 or 2 of their 1st rounders this year?]

No, because he is in San Jose...

But the league can if they had a tangible, consistent dsicipline policy. The NHL discipline priorities
1) Did the player get hurt... (Should matter less)
2) The name on the Jersey (Should not matter at all)
3) the situation (playoffs et...) (Definetly should not matter at all)
4) Finally the intent of the Player!!!!

Number 4 should be number 1... the motive of the player is what matters.... is it a hockey play? was there intent to injure? Did it happen after the whistle??? if player know a lengthy suspension is coming as a result of a "Rinaldo type play" they ll think twice... This maybe beating a deadhorse, but if Staal was suspended to the crosscheck to the back of Crosby's neck or Boychuk for his attempted knee on knee with Malkin earlier this yearperhaps the number of incidents would be greatly reduced.
- Brianandr1

This speaks way too much about the "process"

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 13m13 minutes ago
Rinaldo has in-person hearing with @NHLPlayerSafety , time TBD. League will want better handle on Letang's condition before proceeding.

To say I'm disgusted and agree with 90% of what was included in these comments and the blog itself but I found myself wondering why HCMJ and GMJR didn't just take the team off the ice in the 2nd period.

When the Pens are a contender battling through a tough division, in what 4th place in the league thus far in man-games lost already and have a history of concussions on the team and your opponent makes it readily clear that they have no intention of playing the sport you've brought your team in for then just leave the arena. Could you imagine the NHL having to fight the Penguins organization for that, what would their rationale be: "just sit there and take the beating"? "Fight back and hit dirty too"? "have your 4th line protect your stars"?

This league is a contradiction and it amazes me that so little has changed since to the brain surgeon Shanny brought forward the "Dept of Player Safety" which in and of itself is a joke! The NHL is now turning entirely into a thug league...great job!


- iworkatinitech[EDIT - I'd love to see some penalties handed down to these thug heavy teams (i.e. Philly) to take away draft picks for repeat suspensions and similar infractions...could you imagine the effect that would have to a Buffalo team icing the John Scott's of the world if you took away 1 or 2 of their 1st rounders this year?]

Get rid of downie and then you can take that stance.

No, because he is in San Jose...
- HopintheCordoba

I know I meant it in a hypothetical situation...but thanks for the clarification

Rinaldo is to blame. There is no questioning that. I wasnt speaking about the hit. Im speaking about the frequency of injury causing hits. When you over protect, bad things will happen. Its like the defenseless receiver rule in football. Guys use to protect themselves. Now they know they cannot be hit. When they are hit, its devastating.

The NHL can punish a guy all they want for throwing the hit. It wont change the outcome.
- jak521

I know and I agree with you. I am also part of the shrinking group that believes discipline/accountability went off the rails with the league's push to appeal to a wider audience who felt that fighting made the NHL bush league. The truth is that those people were not going to like hockey regardless of whether fighting exists. I don't believe no-talent goons belong anymore but there is no fear whatsoever of retribution for one's sins. Yes, there was plenty of muscle dressed for the Pens but in a close game, who is going to risk being the goat to even the score. Years ago, these hits didnt happen with anywhere near the frequency they do today.

To say I'm disgusted and agree with 90% of what was included in these comments and the blog itself but I found myself wondering why HCMJ and GMJR didn't just take the team off the ice in the 2nd period.

When the Pens are a contender battling through a tough division, in what 4th place in the league thus far in man-games lost already and have a history of concussions on the team and your opponent makes it readily clear that they have no intention of playing the sport you've brought your team in for then just leave the arena. Could you imagine the NHL having to fight the Penguins organization for that, what would their rationale be: "just sit there and take the beating"? "Fight back and hit dirty too"? "have your 4th line protect your stars"?

This league is a contradiction and it amazes me that so little has changed since to the brain surgeon Shanny brought forward the "Dept of Player Safety" which in and of itself is a joke! The NHL is now turning entirely into a thug league...great job!


- iworkatinitech[EDIT - I'd love to see some penalties handed down to these thug heavy teams (i.e. Philly) to take away draft picks for repeat suspensions and similar infractions...could you imagine the effect that would have to a Buffalo team icing the John Scott's of the world if you took away 1 or 2 of their 1st rounders this year?]

Wait, this is a serious post?