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Colin Campbell's Wheel of Injustice strikes again

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The NHL announced today that the league's judge, jury, and executioner Colin Campbell has waived the automatic one game suspension given to Scott Walker for a fighting instigator penalty in the final five minutes of a game after his sucker punch on Aaron Ward in Game 3. The league has fined Walker $2,500, but no other disciplinary action will be taken.

Aaron Ward went for further testing today after Walker's punch may have fractured his orbital bone. The results of those tests are expected to be released sometime this afternoon. Ward is traveling with the team to Raleigh, but there is no word if he will be available for Game 6.

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I’m thinking ward is playing.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 11, 2009 3:55 PM EDT reply actions  

I don’t know, but the fact that he is on a plane to me (not a medical expert) probably means it isn’t a broken orbital bone. If you had a broken orbital bone, they probably wouldn’t want the pressure on is head that is created by flying.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

…because your sinuses are also usually affected when you break an orbital bone.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Im not a doctor

but I play one on my hockey blog.

You’ve officially got my hopes up, if it’s broken Im coming after you.

by ike6116 on May 11, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don’t you think the league would have thrown the book at Walker had this been a completly random incident?

When you look at the context of the series it makes perfect sense to only fine Walker. Boston has been taking cheap shots all series long, yet the Hurricanes chose no to respond until last night. Enough was enough, so Walker responded the way he did.

If you think the NHL favors a small-market team in the south over Boston, you are absolutely insane.

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on May 11, 2009 4:13 PM EDT reply actions  

I have no idea how they determine this stuff. The league’s rulings have been completely random throughout the playoffs.

Please, enough with this small market gets slighted for the big market team bull shit. It played out and it just makes “The Canaics” look ignorant.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

My point is

regardless of if you agree or not (I’m sure I’d be pissed too if I were in your shoes), the league sent a message with this ruling. From their perspective Boston was partially responsible for what went down in the 3rd period.

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on May 11, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Re-read the title of this post. “Colin Campbell’s Wheel of Injustice strikes again.” Now, which side sounds ignorant for complaining about being treated unfairly by the league??

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on May 11, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Do you honestly think that Campbell has been consistent with his rulings throughout the playoffs?

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Other rulings don’t matter when it comes to this series. Do I think they made the right call here? Yes. For the first four games in this series it has been very one-sided when it came to chippiness (is that a word?). Last night, the Canes reached their boiling point. Judging by this ruling, the league agrees with my assesment. Doesn’t make me right, it is what it is.

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on May 11, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

The rulings in other series do matter, as the players and coaches, etc, can see what is acceptable and what is not. When a ruling comes down, it should be set down to set a precedent.

The way it goes now, in this series and many others, it feels like a dartboard or a….wheel of injustice.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 11, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Other rulings don’t matter when it comes to this series

HAHAHAHAHA.

See the thing is, you’re dealing with actual Hockey fans. They DO pay attention to the league. If you wanna try to argue about whether something is fair or not they are actually going to have specific examples of other cases where their bias towards the Boston Bruins isn’t a factor.

You however are a “Caniac” and hockey is a good distraction between college sport seasons.

by ike6116 on May 11, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

what a bunch of crybabies

Let me guess, this is an example of the league’s obvious favoritism to Canadian team… nope. that can’t be it.

An example of the league’s obvious favoritism to the major market, big TV draw…. nope. Can’t be.

Kwitcherbitchin.

by DidJussiThat? on May 11, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions  

No, no, no. This is an obvious example of the reffing conspiracy against Boston, right?

Or is it the example that proves the rule that there is one against Carolina?

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 11, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Does Jussi sound like Dale Gribble?

Seriously, how many conspiracy theories can the NHL have against poor Carolina?

by 13_Legion on May 11, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, let’s see…there have been 12 games in the playoffs so far….

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 11, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Congratulations Jussi!

You have hit a milestone. You have made 75 comments in the last week on this site. Congratulations, you have said more than anyone else without saying anything of value.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

What a disgrace

How does the league issue a ruling like this, which apparently defies the league’s automatic suspension kicker, without even explaining why? That’s lovely and dandy that the Hurricanes and Walker support the non-suspension, but how about something from the wheel-spinner who issued the ruling, explaining the brilliant logic for this one? Even if there is some prescient reason behind it (haha), the league does no one a service by staying silent about it.

What is the point of a rule book? What is the point of Colin Campbell? Sort of hard to follow a sport when there is zero rhyme or reason to its discipline system. But I suppose we’re all used to this by now…

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on May 11, 2009 4:49 PM EDT reply actions  

You're right.

Both sides certainly deserve an explanation so as to avoid situations like this is the future.

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on May 11, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

That would be nice, yeah.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 11, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not upholding the suspension is a slap in the face to the officials on the ice that made the instigator call.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

and Officials always make the right calls, so there is no need to review them, right?

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on May 11, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

That’s what the NHL usually says, actually.

Especially when it comes to waving off goals. See: Detroit/Anaheim series.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 11, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

When it is a judgment call like that, I think the officials on the ice have a better idea of what really went down then Colin Campbell and the rest of the NHL suits. What they are essentially saying is “we don’t trust the judgment of our on-ice officials”.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

And by extension, the players and coaches won’t respect their rulings, and someone will get more than a broken orbital bone.

by Toe Nash on May 11, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yes your right

and it worked out in your favor he was third man in he should have received a game misconduct he was lucky to get 10.

by KJSK on May 11, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

That’s right! Also filed under “things we’ll never see” is why the league, er, Colin and His Crew, saw fit to disagree with the ruling on the ice. That’s fine, mistakes happen, but they look worse when the league plays the “nothing to see here, please move along” game.

I honestly have no idea what to expect out of any Campbell ruling, because they’re all situational, they all contradict something he’s ruled in the past, and he’s always equally indignant when queried about them.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on May 11, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

This doesn’t really come into play here, but does anyone else think that it is a conflict of interest for the league’s disciplinarian to a player’s father?

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

No.......

What is, is the fact that the frustration level went down for Boston and up for Carolina. The issue is Boston held it together for three games they shouldn’t have won any way and Carolina could only hold it together through 2 periods of a game they wanted to win but shouldn’t have because they didn’t play well last night period.

The difference is Boston can play this type of game and come out on top, they did it all season long when every team in the league was “out to get the Bruins”. Carolina on the other hand can’t mentally or physically hence the outcome last night.

It’s old time hockey at it’s best. Boston can play it this way it’s their heritage! just too bad 24, 8, the old 12 (WC not RB), the old 17 (SJ) the old 19 (J"P"M) aren’t still around to join the new 17, 22, 45, and 61 in finishing this thing in 7 and moving on.

Hang on Carolina the next two are going to be a wild ride (keep your head up Walker), Cans fans your welcome to complain on Wednesday about Campbell’s discipline (or lack there of) if it’s waranted, you just never know.

Boston in 7, PIM over/under in the next two… what ever it takes to get the job done. Just remember Carolina you started it. I recall it was TrickeyD26 that said “Enough is enough” the momentum has shifted! Believe it!

by KJSK on May 11, 2009 4:50 PM EDT reply actions  

and judging by the 3-1 lead prior to last night, Boston can’t win without playing that way.

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on May 11, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

They were winning without playing that way!

3-0 in fact until 2:57 into the third and Babchuk threw the high stick that cranked the whole thing up.

I guess y’all defend yours when someone points out the obvious why shouldn’t we.

PS don’t yap about the y’all I earned it I lived 600 miles south of Raleigh for too many years.

by KJSK on May 11, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Thornton and Babchuk were both throwing some cross-checks and battling. Whatever it’s the playoffs. That stuff is fine. That is just guys battling. The cheap shots like what Jokinen and Walker did I don’t like.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’m not saying what walker did was right, but, how can you ignore the hits, elbows, and othe things that chara and the others did while guys were down on the ice. You even said the cross check to Jussi was wrong. Until last night, the canes hadn’t done much. Wallin got that boarding call, a suspected dive, but, they weren’t taking flagrant cheap shots.

It just all came to a head last night. I don’t like chippy games, and I’m sure tomorrows is gonna be called really close on both teams

by kcljar on May 11, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

kcljar has it right.....

Boston is known for playing “old time hockey”. Carolina doesn’t do that. Carolina is known as the “Candy Canes”, kinda soft and a “skating team”.

All the Bruin fans keep on talking about how the Bruins hit and punish the opposing players. Save for now, how many times have you heard how the ’Canes like to hit?

The ‘Canes have been the recipients of many hits after the whistle, while they were on the ice and face down, and more. Last night they fought back. So Ward was taking on Cullen, a concussion prone guy, and Walker stopped that. It hasn’t been the first time that happened.

Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!

by lcd2you on May 11, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

There's been more than a few times though that the Canes have grabbed sticks to impede though.

Heck, didn’t someone just grab Chara’s leg last game? I recall something like that on Sunday while I was there.

by 13_Legion on May 12, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions  

apparently you missed

all the holding after the plays Chara and his goons have been doing. just makes it easier for them I guess since the player was already on the ice

by angrylinuxgeek on May 12, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

You are comparing a hold to a sucker punch? I hold is just guys playing hard and trying to get an edge. Slash behind the play and and sucker punches are a little different.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 12, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

I don't remember

comparing a hold to a sucker punch, no

by angrylinuxgeek on May 12, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions  

You just implied d that all the holds justified what Walker did which is essentially saying the two are equal.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 12, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions  

no, I didn't

I was replying to someone’s comments about holding Chara’s leg, when he’s been pinning players to the ice all series.

perhaps you should quit trolling your own blog and comment on the game.

by angrylinuxgeek on May 12, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Didn't you hear....

It wasn’t a sucker punch you clown, 5 out of 5 experts agree. You mess with someone and someone else is going to let you know about it. Its called hockey.

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

Who are your 5 “experts”? DidJussiThat?, Bubba, Cory, Colin Campbell, and Mr. Bogart?

Go back to CC and spit this crap. You are wearing out your welcome here.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 12, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

Im referring to the....

5 make believe doctors that Julien had examine Wards orbital bone fracture…

Dude, its going to be ok, You and Boston will have the entire Summer to figure what went wrong and hopefully by then you’ll realize the rescinding of the instagator penalty was the right call.

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

Whether he was hurt or not has nothing to do with it being a sucker punch or not.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 12, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions  

How...

…can a second punch be a sucker punch?

 and can you say anything about the situation and if a Boston player would have done anything different… Oh wait, Boston is such a classy team, they would never get involved with helping one of their players.

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions  

also...

I know you need to generate traffic, but you need to go back and watch the video if you think that was a clear cut case of a sucker punch.

Walker: “Based on what was said on the ice as I was dropping my gloves, it was my understanding that I was engaged in an altercation.”

sounds like Aaron Ward got a little more than he was asking for when he was running his mouth.

by angrylinuxgeek on May 12, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions  

I say y’all all the time. I grew up on a dirt road, as did my father.

Call me redneck if it makes you feel better.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 11, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wheel of Injustice??

Give me a break. You folks are gamers just like your Bruins-the strategy is straight forward. None of us were meant know what A Ward’s condition is or would be-until after the NHL was done with the Walker hearing. How else can you maximize any benefit that could come of the incident? Settle down now I’m not done yet. What benefit?! We got the shaft on this mess!! You’re all probably saying.
Well to put it bluntly NO BENEFIT!!! THIS WHOLE STRATEGY THING BLEW UP IN THE BRUINS FACES!! Lets take a short history lesson on the Hurricanes injury list regarding Matt Cullen’s file to put some background to the incident last night.
Cullen has been fighting post concussion syndrome!! No way in hell he’s gonna go and fight with Ward. Which according to Cullen today, was the case before Ward got popped. Like this end or love it this much has surfaced today. Both Cullen and Ward were going at it around the net before Walker went Pacquio and snapped. During the exchange Ward wanted Cullen to drop the gloves and again, it wasn’t gonna happen. So while Aaron kept on provoking Cullen(which is his job folks…we know that well about Ward in Raleigh-remember 2006?) and when Walker jump into the scrum swinging, Ward didn’t want any part of Walker and the rest of the story we know.
Regards to the NHL on the hearing; the intent of the rule for the instigator penalty is to prevent a player from getting onto the ice late in the game for the sole purpose of fighting and raising hell. Walker-yes a third party to the Cullen-Ward scrum responded to defend a fellow team member who was being shoved and hit. Cheap shot yes, complete instigator infraction sorry folks but no. If you need a better example of the instigator penalty ask Lucic. He seemed pretty busy late in the game yesterday in his efforts to even things up. Count your blessing folks-I bet Aaron Ward dresses tomorrow. Like I wrote at the beginning-the strategy didn’t work and if our reports here in Raleigh are accurate….Ward’s exam results are back as negative for any fractures.
Game 6 will be a Category 5 in the LOUDEST HOUSE IN THE NHL!!! GO CANES!!!

by 54fighting on May 11, 2009 7:00 PM EDT reply actions  

47.11 Instigator – An instigator of an altercation shall be a player or goalkeeper who by his actions or demeanor demonstrates any/some of the following criteria: distance traveled; gloves off first; first punch thrown; menacing attitude or posture; verbal instigation or threats; conduct in retaliation to a prior game (or season) incident; obvious retribution for a previous incident in the game or season.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

and

once again the “caniacs” insinuation that “YER JUS HOMERS!”

shown to be ridiculous as Boston fans who post on this blog actually know the rules and pay attention to the league.

this is high comedy.

AN ISLANDERS FAN is even piping up saying “No guys, really something here stinks.”

Now I know you guys think we’re all just “Yankees” up here but the New England sports fan and New York sports fan are not two groups likely to throw each other ropes.

by ike6116 on May 11, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, "We all are just homers"

I know the ruies as well. The instigator rule. Look at this part:

“menacing attitude or posture; verbal instigation or threats”

That can be read as Ward going after a guy who shouldn’t fight, Cullen. Like protecting your goalie, the league looks at what happened before as well, not just at that second.

If Ward was minding his own business, even if he took a good hip check or a clean hit on a ‘Canes player who had the puck, YES, Walker should be suspended for a long, long time. There’s a good reason why the league did what they did. They may have felt that Boston did take certain liberties before that were not called as “that’s just Boston’s game”.

Perhaps they’ve put both parties on notice and will call everything, if that what it takes to stop the “hate”.

Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!

by lcd2you on May 11, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

It wasn’t “going after a guy that couldn’t fight”. It was two guys battling for position in front of the net.

Patrice Bergeron has had a few major concussions and he still dropped the gloves last series. If Cullen is as fragile as Canes fans think he is, maybe he doesn’t belong in the NHL.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

INTENT......

Nice cut and paste job. I know the rule and have read it on several occasions but thanks for the clarification. I think you misunderstand my statement of intent as being the written rule.
In my post, the intent statement came from Colin Campbell post the hearing today. Meaning what the rule was meant to regulate and why the NHL wrote it that way…examples of game history that rule must prevent were cited. But since you posted the definition/rule just about anybody from that late fray could have been deemed an instigator last night.
Again I quote Barry Melrose-you skate against guys like Chara and these other playoff teams you’re gonna get hit. Play off hockey is mean and nasty. If you’re looking for the players who skate the Lady Bing rules, they’re watching the playoffs on TV.

by 54fighting on May 11, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

Interesting flip flop....

I love it!! Melrose calling the NHL/Campbell out on choking with Walker not getting suspended. Last week he was all about how great the physical play is even after the whistles and thats part of the game. Today Walker should sit 5 games at least.
I agree with you Toe-Melrose=bad guy to quote. I’ll avoid that even if old mullet head may start showing some consistent behavior.
Lord knows I wouldn’t want to be considered “ignorant” right Chowder.
These teams aren’t gonna give an inch-period. Last night the B’s had the jump and got it done. Plainly taking it to the Canes who were just flat. In many examples, that we could all give no matter who you’re rooting for, the officials let a lot of after the whistle garbage go last night. So it all came to a head late in the game. All hell breaks loose, Walker snaps and Ward catches a cheap shot blind punch to the mug and away to game 6 we go. I’ve still not heard the final exam reports on Ward and we have heard some early reports here in Raleigh that the initial test were negative. Anyone else?? Despite my earlier postings I hope Ward skates tomorrow.
Chowder/Bruins faithful-even if we all disagree with the NHL ruling on Walker I can empathize with the situation the Bruin nation is bent about.
In the 05/06 season-the NHL via Campbell gave Brooks Oprik…. ooops….Sorry Chowder…I mean Orpik a three game suspension after boarding Erik Cole. Subsequently breaking Cole’’s neck in what could arguably have been Cole’s best season to date. So Erik Cole and the Caniac Nation get a three game suspension in return for Erik Cole’s season and possibly his career. So I do know how it feels when the NHL and Campbell fail with just desserts.
That aside I’ll share an Aaron Ward moment with you all in hopes it settles the dust for Game 6. In the 2006 finals against Edmonton, game 6, Ward gets hit so hard that he goes off the ice and vomits due to the concussion he’d sustained. Dude doesn’t leave the game because he knows that if he does he’ll have a baseline test for the head injury which would mean no game 7 for Ward. Which as we all know the Hurricanes came to the RBC Center and hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup in 7. In that series the Canes wouldn’t have won game 7 with out Ward.
The RBC Center will be rocking tomorrow as the Caniac Nation prepares for a forecast of Category 5 conditions!!

by 54fighting on May 11, 2009 9:32 PM EDT reply actions  

It’s one thing to be physical after the whistle and involved in pushing, shoving, and face washes. It a whole other to throw a sucker punch.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

The Hurricanes fans that I have heard from can’t make that distinction.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ward to skate tomorrow

Bubba over at Canes Country is posting that NESN has reported Aaron Ward will skate tomorrow night. Check it out folks.

by 54fighting on May 11, 2009 10:10 PM EDT reply actions  

…..and I reported that hours ago but thanks for the update Scoops.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

….excuse me for not reading all of your blog page. Don’t be condescending pal-it drags on the integrity of your web blog. While the competition is great-try not to be like most folks from the Sabres following. Just thought you’d like the “Scoop” on exactly where your smack will rank you.

by 54fighting on May 11, 2009 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Just thought you’d like the "Scoop" on exactly where your smack will rank you.

What does that even mean?

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 11, 2009 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

… or did you post that hours ago too??

by 54fighting on May 11, 2009 10:54 PM EDT reply actions  

That wasn't a sucker punch was it?!!

My apologies Chowder. I guess I have a hard time distinguishing a sucker punch from a post whistle scrum. Hope I don’t get fined….or even worse…Colin Campbell may be called and do nothing about it!!

by 54fighting on May 11, 2009 11:02 PM EDT reply actions  

try harder, you’re getting incoherent.

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 11, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

I did not like the hit on Ward, but...

…what I find interesting is, that the NHL used a little common scenes and identified what happened for what is was and not for what Bostons fans or their coaches had hoped.

A Boston player gets into a scrum with a Carolina player who is prone to concussions and one of his teammates sticks up for him. This happens all the time and the players say let us police each other.

You can call what Ward did, shoves and face washes but there was enough force behind them and Cullen’s teammate, Scotty Walker, was not about to let it go. He took exception to the hits(face washes) to Cullen’s head and did something about it. A Boston player would do the same thing, I take that back, ALL NHL players stick up for each other and that’s what the NHL saw when at the hearing. Its common scenes as to why that penalty was rescinded, it as obvious as the nose on your face.

Call it a sucker punch, but you are only insulting Ward. He knew who he was getting into a scrum with and he knew someone was going to involve themselves on Matt’s behalf. If anything, this was an elaborate play, very creative I might add, to draw an instigator penalty and what’s the deal with the orbital bone story? I said it yesterday before the media reported it, that Ward was going to play tonight because the claim is possibly a complete fabrication.

What does Ward have to say? He is truly a top notch guy and I liked to hear from him.

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 9:44 AM EDT reply actions  

Quit being a homer. Walker’s actions were gutless and questionable at best. I think we have exhausted everything that can be said about this situation. It is time to move on and think about Game 6.

Maybe it is fitting that fragile Matty Cullen wears a red jersey.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 12, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

....A homer?

You’re becoming a bit classless(not that you care what I think as you will tell me such). All I said is that what happened happens all the time and Walker’s actions are no different than all the other players sticking up for their team mates. The NHL made the right call and Im sorry that they didnt play into Julien’s bologna filled hands, “may have broken an orbital bone” what a joke…!

Nice cut on Matt, you are truly a man of integraty.

Get ready to blog about The Bruins of Providence…..

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

It is completely different. That clearly violated “The Code” and I think 95% of hockey fans and NHL players would agree.

…and you’re right I don’t care what you think. This tiny bump in traffic has been nice, but you are just passing through. Next week, I will have another set of fans to deal with. You aren’t my target audience.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 12, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

It won't be as much fun....

with you blogging for Providence, I’ll miss you, but rest assured, I’ll be here.

"THE CODE" NHL players have always said "let the players police themselves", but I can understand your need to want to have Walker suspended. You need an advantage however small to muster the belief that series won’t be over tonight

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions  

Can you find me anything from a neutral observer defending Walker’s punch?

As SCoC said there’s nothing more to argue about.

by Toe Nash on May 12, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

Im not defending Walker's hit....

Im defending the ruling because of the situation. A situation that happens all the time in the NHL when a player sticks up for another.

Sorry No Instagator Penalty, but I’ll be sure to state again for the record that I did not like the hit on Ward.

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

Well, I’m over it, but can you find anything from a neutral observer defending the ruling?

For a league that many already consider a joke, including its biggest fans, such inconsistency is bad and I just hope no one gets seriously hurt because of any retaliation or dirty plays that players think they can get away with.

by Toe Nash on May 12, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions  

I can understand....

and I hope that Boston doesn’t retaliate or they will find themselves with players being thrown off the ice and that wont make for a good game 6.

I think you’ll find plenty of neutral fans wont have anything to say about it…. calling it a sucker punch or anything for that mater, it doesnt factor into their series, so they wont care. Horrible to say but Im sure there is a lot of truth in that statement.

I like the NHL and Im also one of those who is extremely gratefull for the NHL expansion. I love hockey and my one regrett is that it was introduced so late in my life.

I have dreams where my son is one the first players from the south, how cool would that be….

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions  

It would be pretty cool. I think there are players from the south already, though. Aud Tuten was from Alabama, for example.

Also, Bogart would be a great hockey name. Better name him

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 12, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

Thank you....

I appreciate that and he has a great name, Eric Giovanni Bogart (look for it about 12 to 15 year…..hehehehe)

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

If he’s good, I’ll be looking for him in black and gold.

Otherwise, red and black.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 12, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

;'P

If he’s good, look for him in any NHL colors….

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wheel of Injustice turn, turn, turn. Tell us the lessons that we should learn.

A Nation of Masochists a blog dedicated to Leafs Nation, who are continually punished but keep coming back for more.

by furcifer on May 12, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions  

it wont be as much fun....

with you blogging for Providence, I’ll miss you, but rest assured, I’ll be here.

“THE CODE” NHL players have always said “let the players police themselves”, but I can understand your need to want to have Walker suspended. You need an advantage however small to muster the belief that series won’t be over tonight.

by Mr. Bogart on May 12, 2009 10:42 AM EDT reply actions  

I'll agree with SCOC....

that officiating and disciplinary action in the NHL is undoubtedly the most ridiculously inconsistent in all of sports. I mean, these guys make soccer officials look like supreme court justices, especially when it comes to Campbell. The league really needs to implement some type of panel that doesn’t put so much of the decision making into one person’s hands.
Having said that, I’m sorry that Aaron Ward took a punch to the face without being able to defend himself. He is one of my all time favorite ‘Canes. I don’t like how Walker did it, but given Cullen’s history of concussion issues, I applaud him for standing up for him the way he did. Ward threw an elbow at the back of Cullen’s head and that’s what prompted Walker to go after Ward. Perhaps Walker should have given Ward more of a chance to get ready, but what can any of us say about what we would have done in the heat of the moment. I won’t debate whether or not a suspension is warranted. Many NHL rules are abhorrently ambiguous, so it’s hard for me to have a real opinion. But I will say this, I’d hate to see Ward get hurt, but even if Walker got suspended, I would want him to stand up for Cullen and go after Ward. Scott Walker has been around a long time. He’s no Tie Domi or Brian Marchment. He MIGHT have screwed up on this one, but he’s not a goon.

by NoVa Caniac on May 12, 2009 1:22 PM EDT reply actions  

Campbell a Disgrace to the NHL and the United States of America

When I hear the words “New York.” The first thing that comes to mind is the Rangers. I am quite certain, that is because we are still in hockey season. Before the signing of Avery, I had no impression/opinion of the Rangers one way or the other. I recall the incident with Avery that tossed him out of Dallas and I remember and posting, I feel sorry for any team hard up enough to sign him. We all know that Avery was signed by the Rangers. We know how he played and now the Coach too is circling down the drain and just needs to be flushed. Do I have compassion for the other members of the Rangers? The people on the payroll who sell the tickets? The Marketing folks and anybody affiliated with the Rangers? Sure I do. Avery has a long track record of being a piece of chit. The good thing, is the men who represent the NHL and do a fine job of it, know all about Avery. So they will protect themselves and each other. It wasn’t even 3 weeks ago, that I posted about being happy we were playing Carolina next. I went as far as posting they would play clean hockey. They would not be like Montreal. I didn’t sit and pace the floors worrying about the cheap shots or sucker punches to my team. Carolina HAD my respect but they don’t any longer. Staal was supposed to be this big scary guy, and a force to be reckoned with. You are kidding me right? The Kids is cagey, and very bright. But he isn’t THAT great. He doesn’t stand out (for me.) His brother is a Ranger. Do I like Staal? No opinion one way or the other. Then there was Cam Ward. A 25 year old Rock Star. Guy is good. Guy will be better and can possibly be an “elite” goalie. If you asked me today about Cam Ward, I would look at you and say who? Pardon me? I don’t remember Cam Ward now. I don’t remember the Hurricanes and where they finished or what they did for this season. They have destroyed it all. They have joined the likes of the Rangers and I think it is shameful that Walker wasn’t dealt with. Do you care what I think? Probably not. But my point is this. One bad apple does spoil the entire bunch. I wouldn’t eat from that tree if it was the only food/fruit I would ever get again. There are only 30 teams in the NHL. How many are going to fall from Grace because of one schmuck? Wake up NHL. You don’t have the following Baseball and Football have. Why is that? I don’t know. I could promote hockey for the rest of my life and you wouldn’t have to pay me a dime. Deal with these A holes and clean this up. Remember, for every one of me, there are hundreds. Most people just walk. I will walk but I will tell you why I left. How many more feel what I do? I don’t think you want to roll the dice on this one.

by Hurricane Cheryl on May 13, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions  

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