Note: The column “Warning Shots” is co-authored by Ken Hill and Russ McKenzie. These two writers here at Last Word on Sports have been exchanging emails over the past few weeks. Since their respective favourite clubs have pretty much traded coaches, we figured it might be amusing to hack-in and spy on the on-going conversation periodically – with their permission of course. Here’s their second set of emails. The first is available by clicking here and is definitely worth a read!
Ken,
I know it’s a little off topic from what we were talking about last time we spoke, but, I’ve got to know: Did you happen to catch that Buffalo Sabres-Toronto Maple Leafs brawl that happened Sunday night?
It really amazes me how bone-headed the whole incident became. Essentially, in a game that means absolutely nothing, the two highest paid Leafs forwards, Phil Kessel and Dave Clarkson, will be getting major suspensions. Clarkson will be getting at least 10 games because he left the Leafs bench. There was even a goalie fight between Ryan Miller and Jon Bernier – IN A PRESEASON GAME.
I’m not sure what the logic was there, but Kessel hacking at John Scott‘s ankles was a brilliant move. Instead of looking tough, he looked like a punk. And Leafs coach Randy Carlyle should be ashamed of himself. He claims it was a “mistake.” I think he knew exactly what was going to happen, and should also be held accountable, but I’m probably in the minority on that one.
Speaking of fighting, what do you think about the new rules? I’m specifically referring to the helmet rule and the tucked jersey rule. I think it’s amusing that Krys Barch and Brett Gallant knocked each other’s helmets off before swinging started to avoid the extra penalty. That loophole didn’t take long to find. And then Monday, Gary Bettman ominously stated that the league will be keeping an eye on that happening further. Are you really telling me that of all the things that they could be looking at, this is the thing they’re going to focus on?
And the tucked jerseys… It just seems to me like they’re prepping the NHL for selling advertising directly off the backs of the players. I watched a couple of KHL games during the lockout last year and all the ad space on the jerseys made it difficult to watch the game. I don’t necessarily mind one sponsor, like they have in soccer, but any more than that and it really gets hard to look at. Also, my favorite part is the justification of the whole thing. The league wants us to believe that it has something to do with player safety, but I have one question: What would Gretzky do?
Also, what happens if a playoff game is decided by one of these wardrobe related penalties? I’d wager that everyone gets really irritated VERY quickly.
That said – big game coming up on Thursday…
Cheers,
Mick
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Hey Mick!
Yeah, I was watching that Sabres/Leafs game (at 4:00 am, woe is me!) the other night, but I can’t say I was all that shocked by what happened. I mean, if you put two divisional rivals against each other on back to back nights with guys fighting fiercely for a roster spot on each team, what do you expect to happen? Nobody, from the coaches to the players to the officials, played that situation with much savvy. Buffalo coach Ron Rolston puts John Scott on the ice immediately after a fight because he’s hoping to get a little payback (and earning a fine from the league in the process). If you’re a fan of fighting, nothing wrong with that. Now Randy Carlyle has the brilliant idea to match that with Kessel’s line, thinking he can exploit a little bit of offense. Nothing really wrong with that either.
Where it all went wrong is that everyone horribly misjudged the situation. Maybe Carlyle can claim innocence, but if so then he’s a fool. There was tension in the air before the puck was dropped, but everyone just stood around and let it happen as if it were some kind of play and they were merely the audience. Well, except for Clarkson of course, who is being punished both for his initiative and his bone-headedness. Frankly, they get all they deserve, and more.
Oh, and should Miller REALLY be fighting if he has concussion issues? Man, that guy will do anything not to play for the Sabres.
The new fighting rules are probably going to be pretty useless. I mean, c’mon, are we turning into boxing here? How long until the players are accidently/on purpose knocking each other’s helmets off at the start of a fight with a “punch”? Is the NHL going to start regulating that too? Do we need a scorecard and judges on the timekeeper’s bench? I’m sorry, but it’s a joke. Just let the boys go already!
But that’s nothing compared to my disdain for the jersey tuck rule, or as I like to call it “the most inane rule in NHL history”. At least the trapezoid behind the net actually affects the play, but as near as I can tell the jersey tuck has no impact whatsoever. Was there a huge outcry from people with poor eyesight that couldn’t read the numbers or something because clearly it has nothing to do with the play on the ice.
I can’t believe that it’s only the preseason and we’ve already got suspensions galore, goalie fights and threats of retribution…and that was only one game!
But it’s okay, because Vigneault’s triumphant return to Vancouver on Thursday is going to trump them all. Too bad he’s going to lose!
Until next time,
Ken
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Hey Mick, how’s it going?
Did you check out that Rangers/Canucks game last night? Oh who am I kidding, of course you did, but I have a sneaking suspicion you shut it off before the start of the third period.
Look, I give the Rangers full marks for trying, Alain Vigneault obviously had them fired up, and the 41-20 shot line should give you some consolation. But still, that 5-0 drubbing looked rather embarrassing.
It doesn’t help that Roberto Luongo was spectacular. I was reveling in the delicious irony of Luongo (the man who almost singlehandedly won a Jack Adams for Vigneault back in 2007 and then was treated like dirt by him last season) giving AV his comeuppance with a brilliant shutout performance. In case you’re keeping track, Lou’s stopped 62 of 63 shots against in the last two pre-season games. Maybe he’ll finally buck the trend and come out hot to start the season.
As for King Henrik Lundqvist though…well I’ll let you speak for him. That was pretty weak.
Oh hey, speaking of Luongo, what’s your thoughts on his old nemesis Timmy Thomas signing on with Florida? I have to think that Roberto is grinding his teeth on that one. First Thomas snatches the Cup away from him, then he takes the job that he was hoping to get all summer.
I can’t say I like the move too much, it really makes me wonder what Dale Tallon thinks he’s trying to accomplish down there. Is he trying to make the playoffs? Is he afraid of hurting Jacob Markstrom, who has been waiting forever to get the starting gig, by letting him get some ice time in what should be a meaningless 2013-14 for the Panthers? It just doesn’t make sense to me.
-Ken
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Hi Ken,
You have it right, I turned it off before the third period started. I’m not sure how you knew that, but I give you credit.
The shot differential is the really amazing part. However, as I predictd, most of the game was played in the Vancouver end, and Luongo literally had to stand on his head to keep the shut out alive. I’m glad Luongo has found his space. I have been a big fan of his for years, and wish him all the success. As far as the actual game, the officials blew a call on the first goal. The replay shows Ryan Kessler clearly interfering with Lundqvist just before the goal was scored.
Speaking of Lundqvist, I’m fairly certain that the four goals after that were all ones that he would like back. He was outperformed by his Canucks counterpart. I find it interesting that Hank seems to lose his mind when he travels north of the border. It seems like every game against a Canadian team something ludicrous happens. Ah, well. Luckily, the game doesn’t actually count for anything, and we will reconvene this conversation when the ‘Nucks visit the Garden in November, I believe.
Well, Tim Thomas was bound to end up somewhere, but I’m not sure why he chose Florida. Of course that works both ways. Maybe the Panthers organization think Markstrom isn’t all that he is made out to be. I agree that the Panthers are pretty awful, and I’m not quite sure what would make them better, save for time. They have some great prospects, especially Jonathan Huberdeau. But, I can only hope that the addition of Timmy Thomas is simply a move to put a name on a billboard, and not some sort of delusion that they can actually make a run for the post season. Of course, with the much vaunted parity, who knows.
Anyway, the final countdown has begun, and we have less than a week until the regular season starts!
Cheers,
Mick
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