NEW JERSEY at ISLANDERS, 2:05 pm
It’s DiPietro in Goal Again, NOT Roloson
UPDATED at 1:30 pm - In a surprise, Rick DiPietro gets the start. More on that after the game.
The Devils coming back from a West Coast trip, off a loss in Colorado on Saturday. Patrik Elias seriously injured in the Avalanche game, taken off on a stretcher. Another statement game for Gordo’s gritty-gutty-gifted Islanders.
Above is John Tavares in a Team USA jersey at practice on Sunday after losing a friendly bet with American Doug Weight on the WJC final.
With the 2:00 pm start, there is no morning skate - usually the place to unearth any lineup news. The way the Islanders have played recently, I doubt Gordon will change his scratches. After his overtime work on Saturday, Rick DiPietro only worked out off the ice on Sunday.
Dustin Kohn is replacing the mildly-injured Mark Katic for Bridgeport in the AHL All-Star Game. Courtesy of Mike Fornabaio: Kenny Morrow worked the bench with Jack Capuano and Pat Bingham during the Sound Tigers’ 4-2 loss to Worcester on Sunday.
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Recommended reading: Larry Brooks of the Post rips on Colin Campbell. Last week Campbell defended Sergei Gonchar for his leaping elbow on Cal Clutterbuck because Clutterbuck may have boarded the Pens defenseman. I immediately thought about Ryan Hollweg’s hit from behind on Chris Simon.
No one is comparing Gonchar to Simon and his history, but it’s too bad Campbell wasn’t pro-revenge like he was this week. Larry also calls Colin to task for only two games for elbowing John Tavares when he already had a two-game suspension on his record for a flagrant elbow.
The problem with Campbell is that no one - including most of his colleagues at the NHL - has any idea what he’s thinking, what he’s going to say next.
As I have for two earlier matinee games this season, I’ll be in the stands with my three sons. Will check in an hour or so after the game for our traditional interactive Plus/Minus.
115 Responses to “NEW JERSEY at ISLANDERS, 2:05 pm
It’s DiPietro in Goal Again, NOT Roloson”
Please Wait
RD-DR. I like the way the two headed goalie monster looks. Like DR and Manny in Minny. Looking forward to a Roli Marty showdown, and another strong game from Bergie!
Excellent point, there is no consistency or easy to follow mode of discipline in the front office. Too much is left to the interpretation of one person. Stricter guidelines need to be enforced so that extra game disciplinary actions are not left to the whimsy of one league officer and his biases (conscious or not) against certain players.
Didn’t anyone ever tell Colin two wrongs don’t make a right. There never seems to be any type of structure to his rulings. I’m sure everyone has their side looking at penalties and suspensions but without a proven track record it just looks like the officiating/discipline arm of the NHL is vindictive, immature and entirely unprofessional. It’s not like this is new though, and it’s not like anything will be done about it. Still a nice read, it makes me a little angry but what can you do?
What bothers me about the NHL’s disciplinary actions is that one can never figure out the method they use in handing out sentences. We’re always wondering…Do they punish solely the infraction? Do they punish in accordance of the resulting injury from the act? Do they punish with regard to the guilty party’s previous violations & reviews? Does the “star power” of either the accused or the recipient factor in the decision? Is it a combination of all?
Inasmuch as it is Colin Campbell now that has us scratching our heads, this has always been the case with the National League, regardless as to whomever was doing the job. All of us can recite chapter and verse of a specific incident where the National League’s Disciplinary Czar decided on a specific sentence ever since Clarence Campbell was accused of preferential treatment for any Montreal opponent by Maurice “Rocket” Richard back in the mid-50’s.
Why is Colon still employed? Every action he takes contradicts an earlier action he has taken. The guy is a joke, and the joke is on the NHL fans and the credibility of the league.
I’m not going to be able to catch tomorrow’s matinee since I’ll be at work … but it should be a great measuring stick game.
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Campbell should of been relieved of his duties years ago … He not only makes horrible decision with the Isles … he’s made a career of horrible decisions in his current capacity … He has no standards and his explanations are an insult to every hockey fan, player, coach, GM & official in the league … Really now … he has to have pictures of someone or a group of guys to still have his job.
His job should be up for review after every season. The governors should review him and other execs in the NHL front office annually or bi-annually to make sure they are preserving the integrity of the game.
I can not say this enough. Campbell and Bettman are completely incompetent. They do nothing to forward the NHL as a league and they have actually hurt it as attendance,tv ratings, etc. have been on the decline ever since they became a team. But Campbell is the worst. He acts like a dictator who is drunk on power! Does no one challenge him on this crap? I know the media speaks up but how about people within the league that could actually make a difference? Nope and the reason is because everyone is afraid of retaliation against their organization. They all know how Campbell has complete control over their collective fates and they keep quiet. It’s the exact reason why Snow doesn’t defend his team when there is a suspension or fine being handed down. He knows the Isles already had a bias built up against them from Millbury and hes trying to dig us out. Sad, sad league this is. Want to know why 99% of the sports media makes fun of the NHL, look no further than your fearless dictators.
Campbell should be done. Plain and simple. So sick of his idiotic decisions.
Patrick brought up the lack of consistency in Campbells special brand of discipline and I would like to add that it extends to the refs. The penalty calls change from minute to minute within the game and the refs have way too much control over the outcome of games. A perfect example would be the “goalie interference” call on Sutts the other night when there was only two inches of his skate inside the crease. He didn’t touch the goalie nor did he even get in the way of the shot. I’ve seen that happen hundreds of times and never get called but the ref wanted to be part of the action and cost the isles 2 points in regulation that they had earned! So what’s the concrete rule? No one knows because on any given night the rule changes to accomodate certain players. Complete B.S.
In my opinion owners don’t want players suspended otherwise bettman would b putting pressure on collie to give out large suspensions. The owners are to blame.
Campbell is a joke and always has been! He’d never even have the job if he wasn’t paling around with the NHL execs while coaching the Rangers.
This is the biggest problem the NHL has, they hire people for important positions who are not qualified because they used to play or coach. This is why they can’t even comptete with MMA.
Campbell’s bias and grudges and friendships show up constantly in his punishments.
I think we all know the answer to this but CHRIS BOTTA, has Colin Campbell ever called Witt back after going out in the press telling him to call him and handle it like men instead of making comments tot he press after the Brashear incident?
The only thing consistent about the NHL is the inconsistency of the officiating. It’s been a joke for a long time and the league is hurt by it.
after Jobocop nailed tavares, wrote here i expected a suspension. i was unaware he had already sat 2 games for the same infraction, THIS SEASON! thats just pitiful, even if the second elbow didnt involve an islander. oficating is a joke/subjective in most leagues. the MLB strike zone, to NBA traveling, to NHL roughing, to NFL holding. but off ice stuff, its easy to be consistent. or maybe not.
Soupy Campbell sucks. Plain and simple.
Always has, always will.
Calls will be missed in all sports but they added two refs in hockey to better officiate the game. It is still very up and down with the calls though. But CC is all over the place with his decisions. Was he in charge when Toronto took out Peca and Kenny J during the playoffs.
Officiating in the NHL is unprofessional and kind of ridiculous. Unfortunately, it starts at the top with Gary Buttman. He has destroyed this league and turned it into the NBA of the 90’s.
In the ’90s, the NBA was in this position, and the NHL was doing OK, not great, but OK. Buttman comes in, and has destroyed the tradition of the league(Eastern & Western Conference?), cost us a season to a lock-out, and overexpanded into the desert. The NHL is a joke because of him.
The competition committee fixed obstruction, and they need to fix suspensions. They need to make a mandatory schedule for any and all suspensions.
That article by Brooks is looooong over due.
Colin Campbell… ugh, enough already. Awful from day one. Isn’t his son playing for the Panthers? He has to go. It makes me long for the days when Brian Burke was doling out discipline.
Agreed James, but I kind of like the “genius” Burke running the Leaf’s hopefully he takes over for slats next.
Colin needs to go. He is so biased against the Isles. The NHL needs to take cheap shots seriously before it’s to late. The players have to start having more respect for each other as well. Hockey can be so much better with better leadership at the top. I would love to see a Bobby Orr as Comish. Someone who understands the importance of offense and how to clean the game up.
great job by brooks. campbell is awful. the inconsistency has always been there and it blows my mind how this guy has a job.
Hope your boys see a win, but more importantly have a fun time with our favorite sport!
taking my 5 yr old daughter tomorrow and my 7yr old nephew….hope they win after all that dough i will be spending.
Colin campell has been called out umpteen times on the blog as well as others. I have scratched my head on numerous occasions with regards to his suspensions. Let’s go back for a moment to the unheralded Chris Simon suspension of 30 games. Great, send a messgae for a grizzly act. That is fine. However it looks pointed even more now that there have been numerous other grizzly infractions and I can’t think of one that got a suspension of more than 10 games? What happened to setting the bar? Campbell is a fraud! And Bettman lawyers up everytime he gets questioned about suspensions. Crazy! Is It just me?
pronger got suspended for the 8th time about 2 weeks later also for stomping on a player for 8 games. there were 8 games left in anaheims season before the playoffs started. he almost did them a favor.
Patrick (#19): Hahaha…. Actually, dammit. You know who’s laughing? The Bruins, who are going to enjoy Toronto’s first round pick this year.
CB - Thanks for all you do. I (we) love your superior coverage of the Islanders. Maybe I’ll run into you in the hallway as I did the day after Thanksgiving.
agreed, good link and comments. Campbell should be dismissed at the end of the season. The NHL should then create an impartial (nearly impossible) diciplinary committee made up of former players/coaches/referees to review all of these situations. Any players involved in the incidents should have the right to communicate directly with the committee (not with the media) and explain their actions or take responsibility. Once the committee has reached a conclusion they should release a statement to the press explaining the situation from their understanding. Not merely announcing the suspension legnth or fine like they do now.
Not looking forward to that neutral zone trap. Already missing the up-beat fast-paced style of the last 4 games.
Boring Devils.
Looking good John Tavares!!!!
Always a laugh to read Larry Brooks fawn over poor misunderstood little Sean Avery..who last year whacked his stick on Boston goalie Tim Thomas’s neck from behind with time called and didn’t get a penalty.
I think Campbell makes some mistakes but it is a tough job trying to judge what athletes are thinking in a fast paced game with adrenaline flowing. It’s also rare to find fans/team officials who will admit their guy was in the wrong.
what i don’t get is that campbell’s rulings have been inconsistent and often baseless for years and everyone sees it. the man’s rulings are erratic, even bizarre at times. how is it in the league’s interest to keep this guy on? there must be 20+ guys better qualifed for that job than campbell. how is he still there? if your bettman, your sabotaging your own credibility. it just doesn’t make sense.
JT looks good in a USA jersey.
Campbell is an embarassment to the NHL. How this guy keeps his job amazes me.
whats that giant islander in the background of the JT pic? is that our new enforcer?
kevin27nyi: LOL!!!!
Haha, I had to look at the pic again to figure out what you were even talking about!
CB - IS Brodeur playing today or will there be a Yan Danis sighting?
Who oversees Cambell? Is Bettman the only person who can fire him?
CB, great pic of JT in the USA jersey. I went to the practice yesterday and it took me a few minutes to figure out why he had it it. But overall it was a really good job by the Isles doing that. It was the first time I ever went to a practice and it was great to see what goes on. What I noticed most was that the team seemed to have some really good chemistry and looked to be having a lot of fun. But of course winning can do that too. LGI!
34- Yeah thats the new enforcer, but Gordo is going to scratch him in favor of Nate Thompson
This whole lack of consistency thing has been going on for at least a few years. Maybe this is naive of me but I would think if it really bothered the people within the NHL that much they would have done something about it by now. Isn’t there a GM meeting every year where they all get together re: the business? Is it so hard to draft a letter asking for more consistency? Putting them on notice so to speak, that they are not happy and will be watching? The letter would be from “all” and not just a few. I don’t know for sure but I don’t recall ever hearing about anything being done to question or put an end to any of the inconsistencies going on with regard to rule interpretation and playing favorites, etc.
Therefore I have to believe nobody really cares that much.
I also agree with Brad about having the committee release a detailed statement every time it makes a ruling - what is needed is accountability.
I bet Gordo screws with the lines
With these rulings I would be throwing elbows and trying to hurt teams best players also. Theres no accountability. 2 games for that flagrant elbow.
Players have to police themselves to an extent. If the team doesn t retaliate to dirty plays , ecspecially to our budding stars , of course it is going to continue. I would love to see someone take a run at phenuf when they come to town but I know its not going to happen. Who cares if a guy is suspended for games that our team is not involved in ?
there is no accountability mario and if you try to defend your teammate you get a instigator penalty. no wonder guys like booth are missing almost entire seasons.
Thank you for bringing up the parallel situation with Hollweg and Simon. Not defending what CS did, but it happened because Hollweg got away with a vicious penalty. The owners and players alike should be pushing for a standardized penalty/suspension system to minimize inconsistency.
Colin Campbell’s WHEEL OF MISFORTUNE is just part of the NHL’s MUST SEE TV.
You have:
Gary Bettman’s WHO DO I WANT TO BE A BILLIONAIRE OWNER… where the NHL Commissioner decides why a billionaire who desires a hockey franchise in a place that GREATLY desires hockey can’t have one…. so they can continue the hockey in the desert program.
The BIGGEST LOSER… A system where a team can tank for 3 months to get the number one overall draft pick.
The PRETENDER… where a guy with $12 in his checking account is allowed to buy an NHL franchise.
Ice Trek… where the commissioner puts hockey where no man has ever skated before.
American Idle… Brian Burke hosts a panel of hockey genius’ who select the US Hockey team and leave out one of it’s finest performers for some old dudes who just ain’t gettin it done anymore…
THIS OLD LIGHTHOUSE… We follow the exploits of a former software developer as he tries to manipulate county officials into approving a multi-billion dollar real estate development.
Let’s not forget AS THE NHLPA TURNS.
And all this brought to you on VS, rather than ESPN, because the NHL is too good for that low rent network!
love the way the team has been playing of late but I don’t see them beating NJ.
Seth,
Not only NJ today, but some tough match-ups this week….Pitts, Panthers, Jersey (again) and Washington. Keep playing the way they have and they’ll take some points. If they let up, it could get ugly…IMHO.
DP playing today according to deb and carlin on twitter
Judges have sentencing guidelines for different offenses. The league needs to do the same. List the offenses that merit consideration for suspension and set a range for the length of suspension based on the severity of the offense. Then have modifers to increase the length for repeat offenders, intent to injure, or flagrancy. Finally, the process is put in the hands of an independent arbitrator, selected from a pool, who go through training to have knowledge of the NHL code of conduct, penalties, punishments, etc. They review tape, take statements from the player(s) & on ice official(s) involved and render a decision with explanation which is final.
Holweg gave Chris Simon a concussion. Simon gets an unpresidented 30-days. Holweg the goon, nothing. Oh yeah, I forgot Colin was the coach of the rags at one point. Must have made some friends there! Don’t know why I’m surprised isn’t Colin another word for ass-hole?
IF DP plays today, then Rolo plays tomorrow at Pitt. Either way, neither was gonna start both so it doesn’t matter much who goes today I would think.
Uh Erika, what Chris Simon did was dangerous, despicable, and made me embarassed to be an islanders fan. He got what he deserved. It was a McSorely type play that has no place in the NHL. Goon or not, Hollweg didnt deserve a stick to the jugular.
Examiner - totally agree - saw the whole thing live from my seat and almost threw up. He was lucky the stick didnt land a few inches either way. Woulda killed him…I love a good fight like the old days anytime - sticks? —should be 50+ games every time
John Tavares should be granted U.S. citzenship & put on the team. It would be a MIRACLE! As for the NHL with Campbell up there the NHL has COLIN CANCER!
CB- According to Rob Carlin, DP is going to start today. Is this true?
Thx
The Owners and Players Association need to form an alliance on who oversees the Officiating and Punishments. Clearly there is a glaring hole. The fan base is correct in calling for Cambells Head. He has done nothing consist to help this game.
Wow at pregame warmup and rick is in today… didn’t think that was hapenning.. guess it is the better matchup playing roli tomorrow against the pens.
I dont mind DP starting due to the matchup and playing tomorrow. I just hope this isn’t a sign that DP is already the #1 goalie again. To me Rollie has earned to still be #1 or at least splitting time with DP.
WOW that didn’t take long with DP calling the shot’s like he’s done in the past. He’s coming back after two major injuries I say work him back a little slower then this, but hey I guess he’s running the team once again. And GOGO better watch his back and treat him with kid glove’s or he’ll be fired like Nolan was cause DP didn’t like the way he treated him. # 58 this has nothing to do with who matches up better it come’s down to what DP want’s PERIOD. He say’s he’s a team player but in realality it;s his way or the highway. Don’t get me wrong he’s a good goalie but it’s the coach’s who make the decision’s and not DP…..
On that note LETS GO ISLANDERS….
Boy do I feel bad for Roloson.
I just hope that Roloson can at least split duties with DP, as Roli has earned his starting job.
I have to agree with James, its great that DP is actually able to start again because it means he’s healthy. But Roloson has earned the #1 position and I would be uncomfortable if we see DP get inserted to #1 with so few games played.
I hope to see Roli Tues and Thurs - next Sat is the Devils again and I’ll bet we see DP in that game. If he also plays one of Tues or Thurs as well I will be disappointed…
I’m at work & have the game on the radio. Its tough to feel the game with a TV brodcast on TV. Isles just scored.. Good.
Moulson golden!
dp is a shock… but he was gonna play one of the games anyway… so it’s not a big when you think about it. the fact that he’s there makes me really confident he’s healthy.
wow… look good in the first 2 minutes
You have got to be kidding me. Again.
Man they are all over brodeur
It should be 3-0. That disallowed goal was a terrible call. I thought that is why there are 4 officials on the ice and not just 1! But what a start to the game, regardless. Hopefully we keep putting it to them and dont let up at all.
Gotta love them taking it to them so far
Chris Mc - There’s only one senior official, but I think that really needs to change. After the disallowed shootout goal against Detroit we see the weakness in letting the senior ref make the calls. In the Detroit game the senior ref standing around the blue line overruled a ref that was standing right on the goal line who had site of whether the puck crossed the line (which it didn’t). The junior ref called it a no goal, but since he was overruled Detroit lost the game because of it. I’ve been watching the game with the sound off, so I didn’t really get the reasoning, but from the way it looked maybe this was a similar issue.
Also, like a few people I’m hoping DP starting today isn’t a sign that he’s taking the reins already, though if he and Rolo split games 50/50 from here on out I guess it wouldn’t be so bad.
Cool with Ricky starting today. Let Rolli play against the dynamic and quick offense. Makes sense to me.
Relax everyone. Rolli will see plenty of games this season. They are in the midst of 5 games in 8 days. And DP being able to go less than 48 hours later is a good sign, not a bad one.
Got to keep bringing the thunder can’t let the Devils make this a game keep the pressure going. Lets go Isles!
I doubt that is the case as Rolo is signed for next season as well, while Biron is only signed through this season. they would have to find a new backup again then for next season if Rolo was traded. unless of course Biron and the Isles are working on an extension. I would be shocked if it is Roloson that is traded this year.
Just thinking out loud. For the record, I’d rather have Rolie around, but if I’m the GM and the price is right, I think you gotta go for it.
le dude… roli and dp were alternating these 2 games no matter what so it makes sense to put dp against the devs and roli against the pit. i can’t imagine the isles trading roli. dp is not 100% of what he was before the injuries when it comes to timing and they are not gonna risk an injury and then having to rely on biron. we have 2 number 1 goalies… not 2 backups like last year
Everyone needs to calm down about Roli not getting the nod today. Roli hasn’t played against the Devils in years and DiPi was 4-1 with 1.78 GAA his last healthy season against the Devils. Isles play in Pitt tomorrow and it doesn’t really matter which order these guys play in because either way they were both getting a start. Roli has a win against the Pens this season - so why not start him tomorrow? Also - I think DiPi loves playing at home and why not build on the momentum from the other night! Isles are feeling it right now and I think this is a great call by Gordon. I think he made up his mind on this Saturday night after the game. We all know the Isles organization is very private about all this.
As for Rolie’s contract, this season is half over, he’s proven he can play as well as practically anyone in net, another team might be looking for more than just the finish to this season (cough Toronto cough).
CB: Are there a ton of Devils fans there? I see a ton of red. Anyways, a solid first period. Gotta play shutdown, boring hockey now to win this one. Dont wanna be too winded for Pitt tomorrow.
Then again…maybe they’d just rather have Rolie in goal against the Penguins…I think that’s actually a good plan.
And JPinVA, that NHL TV schedule is awesome. lol, thanks.
@Bossy22,
That would be a deal! Good to see DP is healthy enough to play again!
Reunite Streit and Souray from their Habs days on the blueline…..
Anybody notice that alot of the guys are growing beards? Think that means they’re thinking playoffs?
BAILEY!!!!
Really got to like the progress Josh has made from year 1 to year 2. Wait until him JT, and Kyle get “man strong.”
Campbell sounded worse this past Saturday as well on HNIC.
Who are these guys and what have they done with my Islanders? Wow, this is something to behold right now.
moulson starting to remind anyone else of mark parrish when he was here?
This is starting to remind me of the game last year when they chased Marty right after he came back
What team am I watching? Is this really the NY Islanders? This is too much fun!
It is such a simple gameplan to beat the Defensive Devils….shoot the puck at Marty ‘Overrated’ Brodeur and keep offensive pressure on them so they have to play the game the right way.
It could be easly 5-6 to 0 if it wasnt for Marty Brodeur…thats some of best hockey i’ve seen the Isles played they look so fast on the ice….Chico on MSG said the Isles will make the playoffs and they have a better team (more depth) then Montreal, the Rags and Tampa Bay.
DPFan39, nothing overrated about Brodeur.
Man I cannot believe that 5th place is within our grasp at this point in the season. I love watching this team.
And TSN still ranks them 22nd? …wow.
At this point in the game (after 2 periods)….gotta give all three stars of the game to…..
The New York Islanders.
Great team game here….what a pleasure to watch.
I am just not a fan of the Devils, defensive hockey, and Brodeur. The proof is last season, they didn’t skip a beat with Clemmenson in nets. I know that Brodeur is a great goalie but he is not in the top 5 imo.
Anyoe still interested in tanking for Hall?
I’ve gotta say, this is the most fun I’ve had watching this team since 1992-93!
Pick a player: Luke Schenn, Colin Wilson, Nakita Filatov, Mikael Boedker, Josh Bailey, and even throw in Alex Pietrangelo… who do you want?
Thank God for Rob Schremp! A legit 2nd line center gives us a legit 2nd line. I’d still love to see Jeff Tambellini on his wing.
This team is going to be good for a long time!
This team is really fun to watch…cant help but feel that the pieces are starting to come together for real
Moulson with a sweet backhand on the first goal…this guy is a great find…see the replay on nhl.com
We have the skill and a system that utilizes it the best. Not to mention a team that is hungry!! Love this team. 2 years away from the beginning of a dynasty. One Dman and Matt Martin and a scoring winger and we are really tough.
Jimbo couldn’t have said it better myself. Here is hoping that we are looking at this for the next 15 years!
Chased Marty!
roll 4 skilled lines and stay out of the box!!!
Two years from the start of a dynasty, when there’s hardly dynasties in sports anymore? That’s a bold prediction. Maybe we should pull back the reins a bit, but I love the optimism.
THe go-go system is close to producing 40 SOG. Against the Devils, that is an accomplishment.
Another great win. This is the most underrated team in hockey right now.
Its official, Its fun again
DP for the SO Win!
wish JT had been able to score, but an assist will help him get back on track. MM with 2 goals is a great sign. From what I could see on NHL gamecenter, it looked like a good one!
if they can keep this run going and put a few more wins together, maybe we can get some separation from the bottom of the conference. Sure would be nice to be talking about playoff positioning in march.
Let’s be cautiously optimistic here; for both this and the Detroit game we were playing a tired team coming off a West Coast trip.
That being said, a simple measure of progress is that we can even hold serve and wallop tired teams. I don’t think the Oct. 2009 Islanders would have had the game they had today or the one last week against Detroit.
Wow, it is SOOO nice seeing their hard work pay off for them like this! What a(nother) fun game to watch, GO ISLANDERS!!! I’m tearing up for them!
And also it is especially nice since they normally don’t match up well against the Devils, and usually end up with a loss.
It was great to see them not only get the W, but get Ricky a shut out AND give all of us an actual FUN game against the Devs!!
Wow!
Howie just said - A 25 point difference in this team now then at the same time last year - WOW
Great effort by this team. That was textbook hockey. Like was said on the Isles telecast; the support has been amazing. There aren’t any holes there anymore and everytime a Devil player turned with the puck, an Islander player was there to defend.
About as perfect of a game you can play.
4:0 vs Devils woohoo!! this team makes so much fun and DP with the SO made my night perfect. Keep it up tomorrow in Pitt.
Examiner, I’m not saying chris Simon should not have been suspended, however I have 2 Questions for you. 1) Did you see the same play I did? Holweg knocking Simon down with a blow to the head. Simon getting up in a very woozy manner and using his stick. Was it the right play? of course not, examiner, but this leads me to my 2nd question. Do you honestly believe(focus on honestly) that if that were a ranger player he would have gotten 30 games? All I am trying to say is I have seen so many vicious plays in hockey. None as penalized as this. Colin is veeeery inconsistent with his brand of disipline. I am just so tired of the team I love always getting the short end of the stick. parden the pun.