The NHL saw a pair of 10 game suspension handed down this week and, well, that's about where the similarity between the two ends. You may as well be comparing apples to pucks in terms of how they were decided.
To start there was a good old fashioned dust up late in the Flames Red Wings game last Wednesday. It began when the Wings Luke Witkowski who was headed to the dressing room was apparently slashed...? by the Flames Matthew Tkachuk who was, well, being Matthew Tkachuk. Anyway, all hell broke lose and, fairly or unfairly, Witkowski now pays the price. That's because when a player returns to the ice to fight it's an automatic 10 game suspension, per NHL rules. Now in this case, it kinda seem like a lot. The player was literally only a few steps down the tunnel when Tkachuk tapped him with his stick and he then turned around and charged back out. The idea of this rule was to prevent the wild, all be it entertaining, incidents that were common place in the 60-80's. The NHL set about instituting a strict punishment and you'd have to argue that it's worked well. However, as Wings coach Jeff Blashill pointed out circumstance should be taken into account. While the spirit of the rule is to be admired, was this really something that was 10 game worthy when hits, and dirty plays (like the one we'll get to) often get far less? Tkachuk was suspended 1 game for his part and it may not seem fair but the fact is the rule is clear (even if Witkowski was apparently unaware of it) applied accordingly, and he won't appeal.
This brought to mind the Denis Wideman and Antoine Vermette incidents where players contacted an official and were subject to similarly clear rules (OK, maybe less clear in the Wideman saga...) and subsequently suspended as a result. If the punishment for these types of incidents is laid out by the letter of the law, it begs the question, could the league change the rule book to implement stricter punishment in other situations where a lengthy suspension should be the outcome?
The second suspension stemmed from the Flyers Jets game where the Flyers Radko Gudas attempted to remove Jet Matthieu Perreault's head, which inevitably had people calling for his. The league responded with a ten game suspension that many feel wasn't enough, especially given the repeat nature of the idiot, um, offender. I understand why people would like to see a harsher penalty, (particularly to a guy like Gudas) there's no place in the game for that crap, but the fact is, with the current structure in place, it's not that simple.
First off with any suspension there has to be proof of intent and the fact is the league has no idea what's going on in Gudas's head (spoiler alert, not a hell of a lot). As mentioned he's a repeat offender and a guy who walks the line constantly. However, the act itself isn't enough and unless the file against you fills up a hockey bag (ala Raffi Torres) odds are he wasn't gonna get more. This begins to shine a light on one of the biggest problems in the league when it comes to discipline: how do you protect the players from themselves and punish these sorts of acts in such a way that more strongly discourages them?
If the league had gone to 20 games for example, Gudas would be quick (far more so than he is on the ice) and foolish not to go to an independent body to appeal, both from a professional and financial standpoint - Gudas will forfeit over 400k in salary as a result of this suspension. Then there's the process. The body involved in appeals is not a hockey one and what may be seen as obvious to some in the game may not be to them. They simply look at what's happened in similar incidents and apply justice as such. Gudas was falling forward and I've heard (morons) argue that he simply lost balance and didn't have any sort of control over what he was doing. There's also the fact that Perreault (thankfully) wasn't seriously injured on the play. These mitigating circumstance would be argued and a reduction in games would likely be the outcome. The NHL would rather not push the envelope by trying to implement such a lengthy ban then look bad by losing in arbitration.
The issue then becomes precedent. The fact that the player would probably win isn't because he wasn't wrong in committing whatever transgression got him suspended, but simply because the league, generally, hasn't tossed guys for long periods of time previously so it wouldn't seem fair to do so. Sure you have the odd Dale Hunter or Chris Simon thrown in but for the most part 10 games is seen as a sort of max for this sort of thing.
This got me to thinking should the league look at rule changes that would remove the sort of grey areas that lead to arbitration? Whether it's head shots, stick work, whatever, can they find a system that would outline the proper suspension? While I'm sure the players would jump at this idea, it may simply lend itself to further grey areas. Not all these plays are going to fit into a nice little box you can merely check off and say that's what they should get. However, it'd be a start and provide a much clearer guideline to work from.
Or do they go another route and put more weight on previous suspensions and punish repeat offenders more harshly? While this is already, supposedly, taken into account by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, should they up the anti make the punishment more sever to these particular players? To be fair Gudas likely would've gotten less had he not been a repeat offender, but how do you explain to the casual fan that these two guys got the same suspension given the optics? Not that the fight in Detroit looked like a picnic, but one is clearly more egregious than the other.
The whole thing seems contradictory because you're talking about protecting players from players and essentially the same body is arguing for both their rights, so should the victim's plight not be given more weight? Whatever the case the league, and the players association, need to take a serious look at how they dole out discipline. That's not to say there's been a rash of incidents like this, but until the issue is addressed there really isn't a strong enough deterrent in place to prevent guys from acting out.
Showing posts with label Winnipeg Jets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winnipeg Jets. Show all posts
Monday, November 20, 2017
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Captain Coyote: Shane Doan Calls it a Career
2004, the World Cup of Hockey. The first in nearly a decade. Team Canada was looking for redemption after falling to the US in 1996. They met the ever pesky Finns in the final and as is usually the case it was nail biter. The teams traded goals and at 2-2 heading to the final period everything was on the line. Then, almost before you could sip your beer, Shane Doan made a great move in front to bury an incredible Joe Thornton pass that proved to be the winner as Canada once again reigned atop the hockey world. This was the biggest goal Shane Doan ever scored and when asked about it afterwards, guy he is, the credit and moment was all about the team.
Few athletes have meant as much in recent history to their franchise as Shane Doan. In fact, if you ask many, the Coyotes would've moved on one of the, well actually, I've lost count of how many times they've appeared headed for relocation, if not for his leadership and commitment to keeping them in the desert. When men like John McCain and Larry Fitzgerald are saying you're among the best leaders they've met, you've done something right. And Doan always seemed to say the right thing, taking home the Mark Messier leadership award in 2012 for his efforts. Even if I personally disagree that the franchise is better off where it is than say, Quebec City Doan was always there for the organisation and the community. His commitment to this new found home was unquestioned and he enjoyed every aspect of what if offered.
The last remaining player from the original Winnipeg Jets, his 21 years with the franchise has seen Doan hold team records in a number of offensive categories. He was the consummate professional and a leader on and off the ice. While relocating from hockey mad Winnipeg to Phoenix must have felt like being shipped off to the basement, Doan helped the franchise create a loyal, all be it small, band of fans who embraced them thanks in large part to his constant, workman like effort and easy going nature with media and fans. Auston Matthews among others is in no doubt a byproduct of this. Doan was a two time all star, a King Clancy Trophy winner and also represented team Canada on a number of occasions. With all his success he stayed loyal to the team through some lean years and saw it have some unexpected runs in the post season as well. The last few years have seen the Coyotes struggle in rebuild mode, and there's little doubt he was asked to waive his no trade clause. However, he has established his family there and couldn't see himself playing for another team. Whether or not that was the wisest decision, we may never know, but you can't fault the guy for wanting to stick it out with the only team he's ever known and believing that he can help them.
This is why it was surprising for so many that the announcement that he wouldn't be resigned came with about as much ceremony as you would announce hiring a new janitor. The team issued a press release but there was little said or done until the other day when he officially announced his retirement. The team then stepped up and made a more formal show of things, and will no doubt be honouring him at some point this season, but one could safely assume there were still some hard feelings. No matter the circumstance though, Doan will be remembered for his compete level on the ice and being the face of the organisation and hockey in Arizona.
The next question is does he don the Maple Leaf again, perhaps even the C, for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics in Korea. His former teammate Sean Burke is running the team and could use his leadership. Doan was on the 2006 Canadian team (the less we say about it the better...) And when you think about the opportunity, how many guys get to cap their career with a gold medal?
Few athletes have meant as much in recent history to their franchise as Shane Doan. In fact, if you ask many, the Coyotes would've moved on one of the, well actually, I've lost count of how many times they've appeared headed for relocation, if not for his leadership and commitment to keeping them in the desert. When men like John McCain and Larry Fitzgerald are saying you're among the best leaders they've met, you've done something right. And Doan always seemed to say the right thing, taking home the Mark Messier leadership award in 2012 for his efforts. Even if I personally disagree that the franchise is better off where it is than say, Quebec City Doan was always there for the organisation and the community. His commitment to this new found home was unquestioned and he enjoyed every aspect of what if offered.
The last remaining player from the original Winnipeg Jets, his 21 years with the franchise has seen Doan hold team records in a number of offensive categories. He was the consummate professional and a leader on and off the ice. While relocating from hockey mad Winnipeg to Phoenix must have felt like being shipped off to the basement, Doan helped the franchise create a loyal, all be it small, band of fans who embraced them thanks in large part to his constant, workman like effort and easy going nature with media and fans. Auston Matthews among others is in no doubt a byproduct of this. Doan was a two time all star, a King Clancy Trophy winner and also represented team Canada on a number of occasions. With all his success he stayed loyal to the team through some lean years and saw it have some unexpected runs in the post season as well. The last few years have seen the Coyotes struggle in rebuild mode, and there's little doubt he was asked to waive his no trade clause. However, he has established his family there and couldn't see himself playing for another team. Whether or not that was the wisest decision, we may never know, but you can't fault the guy for wanting to stick it out with the only team he's ever known and believing that he can help them.
This is why it was surprising for so many that the announcement that he wouldn't be resigned came with about as much ceremony as you would announce hiring a new janitor. The team issued a press release but there was little said or done until the other day when he officially announced his retirement. The team then stepped up and made a more formal show of things, and will no doubt be honouring him at some point this season, but one could safely assume there were still some hard feelings. No matter the circumstance though, Doan will be remembered for his compete level on the ice and being the face of the organisation and hockey in Arizona.
The next question is does he don the Maple Leaf again, perhaps even the C, for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics in Korea. His former teammate Sean Burke is running the team and could use his leadership. Doan was on the 2006 Canadian team (the less we say about it the better...) And when you think about the opportunity, how many guys get to cap their career with a gold medal?
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Canadian Collapse - NHL Season Wrap
With the playoffs beginning a week from today Canadian rinks will be emptier than a Coyotes game, the lone exception being the Montreal Canadiens who will in all likelihood face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs.
The Habs have a decent opportunity to make a run in the east with new addition Tomas Vanek fitting in rather nicely with Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais on their top line. Carey Price has a lot to prove going into the playoffs, despite his spectacular play in the Olympics as he's yet to have any real success come April.
Elsewhere in Canada there's nothing left to do but ask questions. And they abound...
In Vancouver the ax has already fallen on GM Mike Gillis who made several moves with his goaltending that can only be described as bizarre. At this point last year they Canucks had two prove number 1 NHL caliber goalies, now...? The always entertaining John Tortorella is still in place behind the bench, for now, but it will be up to Canucks legend and new President of Hockey Operations Trevor Linden to decide his fate. One thing is for sure, we'll get Tort's opinion either way.
In Calgary the Flames continue to rebuild and President of Hockey Operations/Psuedo GM Brian Burke has decision to make on several fronts, aside from whatever that is on his head, including what to do with Mike Cammalleri. He's a proven goal scorer and played reasonably well this season but may command a higher price on the market than the Flames are willing to pay. Rookie Sean Monahan was a nice surprise for the franchise and they have young talent and a solid leader in Mark Giordano so they have pieces in place moving ahead.
In Edmonton, it's a case of deja vu all over again. How many years and high draft picks will it take to turn this organization around? Without a playoff birth since their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2006 the faithful are getting restless. There is a lot of talent there, more than a lot of other teams, but it seems to fit like a square peg in the round hole. New captain Andrew Ference was brought in to help mold this young group but they seem to have taken a step back. Dallas Eakins had a lot of ups and downs as a first year coach and GM Craig MacTavish will once again have a lottery pick and a number of assets to utilize to improve his roster. Ales Hemsky was already dealt to Ottawa so is this the beginning of (another) rebuild in Oil Country?
The Jets joined the western conference and turned things around, briefly, under new coach Paul Maurice after Claude Noel was fired mid-season, but ultimately came up short of a playoff spot. It will be interesting to see what Maurice can do with the group and what comes of his, seemingly, rocky relationship with star forward Evander Kane. The Jets have some young talent in the likes of Bryan Little and Mark Scheifele but may need to bring in some veteran presence to fit with Maurice's structured style.
In the nation's Capital the 'Pesky Sens' were at worst an annoyance, mostly to their fans, as they showed a consistent lack of consistency all year, especially in their own end. They went from being one of the best defensive teams in the league to one of the worst and while they didn't necessarily get the same level of goaltending they had last season, Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner still covered up a lot of mistakes by a very young defensive core. Erik Karlsson is a dynamic player, often for both teams and this superstar needs to correct his often careless play in his own end. On the plus side Sens fans can see they have a lot of young talent and those young players will continue to improve, ideally, but what is sorely missing is leadership. With the departure of Daniel Alfredsson and Sergi Gonchar Ottawa lost two players who held those young guys accountable and set an example on the ice. GM Bryan Murray may need to add some veteran presence to his locker room to help his young team.
In Toronto there was another collapse of Rob Ford proportions as the Leafs completely faltered down the stretch and will, yet again, miss the post season. They have high end talent and can score goals but this team is as bad in their own any as a pewee squad. They have more turnovers most nights than a bakery and Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer should be given a percentage on their defensemen's contracts for having to do their job as well. This lack of attention to detail has to have driven coach Randy Carlyle nuts especially as a former Norris wining defensman. The had part for the Leafs moving forward however, may be cap issues. With the likes of Kessel, Bozak, Phaneuf and Clarksson signed to hefty long term contracts there won't be a lot to go around when free agency hits so Dave Bolland and others may be on their way out. The improvement in play by young Morgan Reily and Jake Gardiner has to be one bright spot but once again there are more questions than answers in Leaf land.
The Habs have a decent opportunity to make a run in the east with new addition Tomas Vanek fitting in rather nicely with Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais on their top line. Carey Price has a lot to prove going into the playoffs, despite his spectacular play in the Olympics as he's yet to have any real success come April.
Elsewhere in Canada there's nothing left to do but ask questions. And they abound...
In Vancouver the ax has already fallen on GM Mike Gillis who made several moves with his goaltending that can only be described as bizarre. At this point last year they Canucks had two prove number 1 NHL caliber goalies, now...? The always entertaining John Tortorella is still in place behind the bench, for now, but it will be up to Canucks legend and new President of Hockey Operations Trevor Linden to decide his fate. One thing is for sure, we'll get Tort's opinion either way.
In Calgary the Flames continue to rebuild and President of Hockey Operations/Psuedo GM Brian Burke has decision to make on several fronts, aside from whatever that is on his head, including what to do with Mike Cammalleri. He's a proven goal scorer and played reasonably well this season but may command a higher price on the market than the Flames are willing to pay. Rookie Sean Monahan was a nice surprise for the franchise and they have young talent and a solid leader in Mark Giordano so they have pieces in place moving ahead.
In Edmonton, it's a case of deja vu all over again. How many years and high draft picks will it take to turn this organization around? Without a playoff birth since their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2006 the faithful are getting restless. There is a lot of talent there, more than a lot of other teams, but it seems to fit like a square peg in the round hole. New captain Andrew Ference was brought in to help mold this young group but they seem to have taken a step back. Dallas Eakins had a lot of ups and downs as a first year coach and GM Craig MacTavish will once again have a lottery pick and a number of assets to utilize to improve his roster. Ales Hemsky was already dealt to Ottawa so is this the beginning of (another) rebuild in Oil Country?
The Jets joined the western conference and turned things around, briefly, under new coach Paul Maurice after Claude Noel was fired mid-season, but ultimately came up short of a playoff spot. It will be interesting to see what Maurice can do with the group and what comes of his, seemingly, rocky relationship with star forward Evander Kane. The Jets have some young talent in the likes of Bryan Little and Mark Scheifele but may need to bring in some veteran presence to fit with Maurice's structured style.
In the nation's Capital the 'Pesky Sens' were at worst an annoyance, mostly to their fans, as they showed a consistent lack of consistency all year, especially in their own end. They went from being one of the best defensive teams in the league to one of the worst and while they didn't necessarily get the same level of goaltending they had last season, Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner still covered up a lot of mistakes by a very young defensive core. Erik Karlsson is a dynamic player, often for both teams and this superstar needs to correct his often careless play in his own end. On the plus side Sens fans can see they have a lot of young talent and those young players will continue to improve, ideally, but what is sorely missing is leadership. With the departure of Daniel Alfredsson and Sergi Gonchar Ottawa lost two players who held those young guys accountable and set an example on the ice. GM Bryan Murray may need to add some veteran presence to his locker room to help his young team.
In Toronto there was another collapse of Rob Ford proportions as the Leafs completely faltered down the stretch and will, yet again, miss the post season. They have high end talent and can score goals but this team is as bad in their own any as a pewee squad. They have more turnovers most nights than a bakery and Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer should be given a percentage on their defensemen's contracts for having to do their job as well. This lack of attention to detail has to have driven coach Randy Carlyle nuts especially as a former Norris wining defensman. The had part for the Leafs moving forward however, may be cap issues. With the likes of Kessel, Bozak, Phaneuf and Clarksson signed to hefty long term contracts there won't be a lot to go around when free agency hits so Dave Bolland and others may be on their way out. The improvement in play by young Morgan Reily and Jake Gardiner has to be one bright spot but once again there are more questions than answers in Leaf land.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Playoff Push
With most teams having about nine or ten games left the sprint that was the NHL regular season is down to its last few yards. While top contenders like Chicago and Pittsburgh (with Anaheim and Montreal not far behind) have already wrapped up playoff spots, others are still up for grabs. Even the Maple Leafs look poised to return to the post season. There is now a bit more separation from teams in tenth place and down but the bottom seeds in both conferences are still looking over their shoulders.
St. Louis Blues - The Blues have been getting better goaltending from Brian Elliott of late and with a at least one game at hand on the teams below them need to stay the course to make the playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings - The Wings grip on a spot is a little more tenuous. They currently sit in eighth spot in the west, three points up on Phoenix and four ahead of the Stars, Oilers and Blue Jackets. They can't afford a skid at this point.
Ottawa Senators - What a difference a week makes. Four straight losses have the Sens once comfy cushion fade away. They are four points up on the ninth place Devils with a game at hand but can ill afford to have this streak go any longer.
New York Rangers - The Rangers have underperformed this season but are in seventh in the East tied in points with the Islanders. They have been playing better hockey of late, despite last nights loss to the Leafs, and if Henrik Lundqvist can hold the for they may get it.
New York Islanders - One of the seasons biggest surprises finds the other New York team on the verge of a playoff spot. John Tavares and company have the slimmest of margins, just a two point gap on the Devils and Jets so it will come down to the wire here.
New Jersey Devils - Last years eastern conference champs have fallen off as predicted well, here, but are still a threat to go on a run and make the playoffs. Martin Brodeur is back and the Devils are never an easy out so look for them to push hard to the end.
Winnipeg Jets/Washington Capitals - The Jets and Capitals are in the odd position of possibly being the thrid seed or right out of the playoffs. The Capitals recent streak has them two points ahead of Winnipeg for the South East Division lead but should they falter they may find themselves out of the playoffs all together.
Who gets in? Who's ticket is left unpunched?
St. Louis Blues - The Blues have been getting better goaltending from Brian Elliott of late and with a at least one game at hand on the teams below them need to stay the course to make the playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings - The Wings grip on a spot is a little more tenuous. They currently sit in eighth spot in the west, three points up on Phoenix and four ahead of the Stars, Oilers and Blue Jackets. They can't afford a skid at this point.
Ottawa Senators - What a difference a week makes. Four straight losses have the Sens once comfy cushion fade away. They are four points up on the ninth place Devils with a game at hand but can ill afford to have this streak go any longer.
New York Rangers - The Rangers have underperformed this season but are in seventh in the East tied in points with the Islanders. They have been playing better hockey of late, despite last nights loss to the Leafs, and if Henrik Lundqvist can hold the for they may get it.
New York Islanders - One of the seasons biggest surprises finds the other New York team on the verge of a playoff spot. John Tavares and company have the slimmest of margins, just a two point gap on the Devils and Jets so it will come down to the wire here.
New Jersey Devils - Last years eastern conference champs have fallen off as predicted well, here, but are still a threat to go on a run and make the playoffs. Martin Brodeur is back and the Devils are never an easy out so look for them to push hard to the end.
Winnipeg Jets/Washington Capitals - The Jets and Capitals are in the odd position of possibly being the thrid seed or right out of the playoffs. The Capitals recent streak has them two points ahead of Winnipeg for the South East Division lead but should they falter they may find themselves out of the playoffs all together.
Who gets in? Who's ticket is left unpunched?
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