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Commentary, news, analysis and reader-driven discussions focusing on this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.
Struggling through an off night in Game 3, Anaheim's Chris Pronger takes out his frustrations with a punishing blow to the head of an opposing forward who had embarrassed him just minutes earlier. In the Western Conference finals, Tomas Holmstrom was the victim of a vicious hit from behind courtesy of Pronger. Last night, it was Ottawa's Dean McAmmond, who was blindsided by a nasty elbow to the jaw just as he was blowing by Pronger in the Anaheim zone. It was another ugly scene, this time played out in prime time on national TV across North America. After McAmmond dumped the puck into the corner, a cement-footed Pronger attempted to finish his check. But McAmmond had too much speed and was almost by him -- leaving Pronger only one option to impede the Senator's progress. He threw out his left elbow, catching McAmmond squarely in the jaw and sending him sprawling onto the ice before sliding into the end boards. McAmmond lay motionless for several moments before finally being helped off the ice. He did not return to the game, which Ottawa won 5-3. Amazingly, all four officials missed the play -- which is pretty hard to fathom given that McAmmond had carried the puck into the zone moments earlier. Ultimately, those eight blind eyes might just force the league's hand at a very critical juncture of this series. If a penalty had been called, even a minor for elbowing, the league could argue that the play had been dealt with properly on the ice and that was the end of it. But as was the case in the Holmstrom incident, the on-ice officials blew it. And that leaves the clean-up duty in the hands of league disciplinarian Colin Campbell. There are several elements to this play that suggest an ill wind is blowing for the Ducks. First, it was clearly a head shot, something the league has been adamant in saying it would remove from the game. I'm not convinced the hit was particularly late, but that's an argument that likely will be made against him. It's also noteworthy that it was McAmmond's odd-angle shot/centering pass that Pronger deflected into his own net for the fourth Ottawa goal. Pronger was embarrassed on the play, and he likely took a number. And then there's the repeat offender angle. That should make this impossible for the league to ignore. Typically, a recidivist like Pronger would draw a harsher sentence, and that would mean multiple games. But the NHL has always given more weight to playoff contests -- incorrectly, in my opinion -- and that means they're likely to value the Cup finals even more highly than a conference championship. Pronger received a one-game suspension. But given that he learned nothing from the Holmstrom suspension, he deserves more.
posted by SI.com | View comments |
Comments:They should give him a 25 game ban, starting today. Just maybe that will stop his dangerous cheap shots, but probably not.
It was a cheap and ugly hit from an unrepentant repeat offender, and deserves multiple games unquestionably. Which he probably won't get -- he'll get 1 game, and blame the media again.
That said, when are people going to start loudly pointing out that Brian Burke's teams always seem to develop this culture of thuggery? Nice, real sportsman like. Pronger and the rest of the cheapskating ducks where doing this kind of thing all year, and have been doing it the entire post-season starting with the Wild. The NHL obviously does not care, they want the Ducks to win it all and they are showing future teams and players just how to do it, by cheating!! Nive NHL, looks like you really want your raitings to increase...
Leave Pronger alone. He's an incredible player to watch play the game. The damage wasn't done with the "hit", but rather when he hit the ice with the back of his head. The refs are calling so many ticky tack penalties on the Dux, let them play Hockey!
Watch the play, Geedub. McAmmond was out before he hit the ice. The impact didn't help, to be sure, but he had no control over his fall.
ONE GAME ??? WHAT A JOKE ! THAT WAS SECOND TIME IN COUPLE WEEKS, PLUS HE WANT IT TO HURT THE GUY AND AFTER THE FACT ACTS LIKE A DUMMY THAT HE IS, THAT HE DOESNT KNOW WHAT HAPPEND .... THE GUY SHOULD BE GONE FOR YEAR THATS IT. SIMPLE, THE LEAGUE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND SET A EXAMPLE, SPECIALY ON PRONGER. NOW I WILL HOPE SOMEBODY TAKES HIM OUT IN THE WORST WAY.
Yeah Pronger hit him, but is that shot any worse than what Chris Neil did to Drury back in February?? At least Pronger was standing still and not taking a run at the guy.
The game should be played on the ice, not in some office thousands of miles away. The refs blew the call...it happens. They also blew the call when Alfredsson kicked the puck into the net; is the league going to do something about that? You can say all you want that it just deflected off his skate, but he was trying to kick it up onto his stick and he missed... The refs need to call the game both ways GEEDUB .... WHAT DUCKS ARE DOING HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HOCKEY. GO WANTCH UFC OR SOMETHING IF YOU WANT TO SEE PEOPLE GETTING HURT AND BEAT UP. NHL PROBLEM IS, THAT IT IS IN AMERICA, MOST PEOPLE HERE HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THE GAME IS ABOUT, AND CALL PLAYERS LIKE PRONGER GREAT, WHAT A JOKE, BIG GUY THAT CAN HIT AND HURT PEOPLE. CAN HE PLAY ??? YOU CAN NOT BE FOR REAL ... YOU NEED A SUSPENSION FROM WATCHING HOCKEY !!! OR MAYBE GET KNOCKED OUT BY PRONGER ...
Pronger should have gotten 2 game suspension - due to being a repeat offender. I enjoy that the refs let the game become more physical but McAmmond wasn't faking hurt & when he doesn't lace up the next couple of games - it will be further proof of the 'cheap' shot. At 6'6 - you should understand leverage & positioning when doling out hits. Especially a player like Pronger. Let him sit.
This shouldn't be the place for a discussion on Alfie's goal - but since you brought it up...
Clearly, you're watching the game with Duck-colored glasses if you think the goal should have been disallowed. The rules clearly say that you can't kick the puck in the net. You can, however, deflect a shot with a skate. Look at the replay carefully (just like they did in the review-booth) Alfie's skate was not moving when the puck bounced in. He only moved his skate after the puck already left - clearly, not a kicking motion. It was the right call and not any kind of example of a game not being caled fairly. Pronger is a dirty player who deserves some of his own medicine. With the way the NHL refuses to do anything about his constant cheap shots, somebody is going to take it upon themselves to "discipline" this idiot. Just hope it does not turn out like Moore
If you don't like the Pronger hit why is Neil still playing. He took three plus strides before raising his elbows and taking out Andy McDonald. The only difference, no injury but still a clear blow to the head. And it was not the only one on both sides. The referee's in this and most of the series have turned their heads and this is bad for hockey. To begin stepping in from the league office is wrong. If the game is called as it should, no issue. And make no mistake about it the last few calls such as holding on Getzlaf were a joke! Both teams are taking liberties, to focus on this as the issue is ignorant and shows that emotion rules in favor of which team you would like to see win. I do not condone Chris Pronger hit but don't miss that he is 6" 6" and he did not have to raise his arms above his shoulder when he made contact. He has to be responsible for himself and if it were truely a penalty the referee in the replay had full view and chose to look the other way. When you look the other way players elevate the questionable hits and it is the referee's responsibility to get the job down. The referee's are failing the game and now have had influence beyond what should be accepted. When refereeing takes center stage they have called a bad game.
Someone of Prongers talent and he plays a dirty game he needs to reevaluate himself. He coudl be one of the best in the league for a defenceman..no wait he is one of the best "cheapshot artists"
I always enjoyed watching this man play and how he can help dictate a game. I am now disapointed that he plays this way. When he learns to use his skills and no his cheapshots I may again respect him. For now the league could have come down on him but it is the playoffs and would not be considered fair. yea having you bell rung is not fair either. The NHL is a joke and those in charge for discipline are an embarassment for the NHL. Shouldn't the discipline for a second time offender be increased? Good goodblowing that one Colly!
For a guy who tuned in after the BoSox-Yankees game to see that hockey was still going on in June, I have very little knowledge about your game. Is there ice left on any ponds anywhere? I could get into this sport if the season was half as long and played with twice as much passion. Play each squad twice; once home and once away for 58 games instead of the pointless 82. Play each game play-off style: 4 overtimes? I say bring it.
On to Pronger. His impregnation of some harpy (no offence intended) up in Edmonton last year shows you the quality of the man...but to be sure his hockey skills are amazing. I am more than a little suprised that a player of his size and mobility has survived post lock-out rule changes. Having said that, I find the NHL as a product flawed. Either be the fast paced gentleman's game (Olympic style on smaller ice) you are marketing and crack down on "goonery" or let the old Wayne Maki hits pack them in. Don't waffle and for Pete's sake stop playing so trivial games. I wish I saw the hit, but NBC dealt another kick to the NHL's proverbial groin when the network didn't air the game here in New Orleans. I understand that this is not a hockey hot bed, but this is the Stanley Cup Finals. Do you think ABC would do the same to what will undoubtedly be a very short and boring NBA Finals? Do you think Fox would do that to the World Series? Neither network would do such a thing. If there was a grade worse than F, that's what NBC would get for its coverage of the NHL Playoffs.
Secondly, I love how the Senators fans are crying foul over this hit. You sound like Buffalo fans circa four months ago when Neil went out of his way to make a blow to Drury's head a good two seconds after he shot the puck. You guys don't like it too much when the shoe is on the other foot, huh? At least it wasn't your captain. Finally, the NHL has to take a long look at the rules when it comes to pucks going in the net off of something besides the stick. This playoffs has illustrated how bad those rules are. Why was Tyutin's kick-in against Buffalo disallowed when the puck hit his skates as he was slamming on the brakes so that he wouldn't crash into the net, yet this one was allowed? Why was Vanek's goal disallowed (and I think this was the worst call of all them) when he tried to swing his stick at a puck and it went in off of one finger? It was obvious that he "wasn't trying to play the puck with his hand" but, apparently, the League doesn't read intent into the rule. The rules are a debacle and something needs to be changed. Maybe I can see why the local NBC affiliate didn't pick up the game last night, after all. One game is a joke. This is a repeat offender, and one that was embarrassed by the player he took out earlier in the game. He should be out at least as long as McAmmond, which will likely be the rest of the finals.
Why should he get to play if the other guy can't? Weren't all you Ottawhiners saying Neal didn't deserve a suspension for his blind side shot on Drury since the real damage was done when Drury's head hit the ice. Half of Neal's big hits are charging and he went high (again) on MacDonald. How do you say hypocrisy in Canadian?
did anyone think that height played a role in this considering Pronger was a full 7 inches taller. even if Pronger had crouched down his elbow would hit him in the head. same would apply in the case of a shorter Ducks player for instance Mcdonald getting hit. he is shorter so the risk of being hit in the head is greater.. no suspension should apply. Hey people this is HOckey after all.. not the ballet
Now we have a new penalty in the NHL- "forearming-that causes injury." Look out folks. I was happy with just calling the good ol' fashioned elbowing and apparently so were the refs. But Colin C. no way. Total BS. Hope the Ducks smack them around real good. Scott Stevens v. Eric Lindros style. Keep your head up next time Mr. Duck.
Pronger should have been put in the box for five minutes; done end of story.
Anon 5:31, you say you have "little knowledge of your game" and then mention Wayne Maki, who played in the late 1960's? Explain that one. You complain about a shorter season played with more passion. Compared to what? A 162 game baseball season? Like they care. Tons of passion in those games, idiot. You can play 4 baseball games in the same day and why would you be tired? Idiot.
Calgary's back up goalie gets the rest of the playoffs for a slash that did not result in even a missed shift for the "victim" and Pronger gets 1 game for a second cheap headshot for the second time in as many play off series'. It is painfully obvious that your stature as a player in this league is the most important thing taken into account when they hand out discipline. TOO BAD but this is exactlyt the reason I watch hockey less as an adult than I did as a teenager.
The problem is.. the ref's are not qualified for this level of hockey.
All I have to say is the NHL is a joke itself. The phantom calls that are being called, lack of call against Pronger, overruling a kicked in puck by the Toronto war room ha ha ha. This is the worst case senerio for the NHL. Rules that are a joke and the officals don't have a clue on how to call them.
Plain and simple, next year if a puck goes in off a skate, no goal. That helps with one disputed call all year. Or, allow all goals off skates. Take your pick, no judgements to make the NHL look foolish. I won't be watching the NHL next year due to all the BS this year. I've loved playing hockey the last 20 years and will continue to love the game by only playing it. The league is a joke in America with the tv rights, and it's a shame it's come down to this. I've stopped watching the NBA and NFL 7 years ago. And I can't remember the last time I saw a baseball game. Good luck NHL, as I'm done with pro hockey. Good thing I can still watch college hockey. We are AGAIN seeing the consequences of a "no fighting" national hockey league. Officials enforce rules of play, but players enforce FAIR PLAY. Pronger should've been fearing for his life, not a suspension. Fighting brings an enormous balance to a TERRIBLY hard to officiate sport. There is simply too much action in hockey to try and call all these minor incidents...the consequence has been blowing these big calls.
Bring back old time hockey and the days when bruisers would establish "there are certain things you just don't do." I love the Duck's aggressive, high-contact game. The officials should not have to regulate hard hitting, and if they didn't have to, they could keep their eyes on this type of cheap shot. Brian Burke must be writing up his next "CHRIS IS TOO TALL AND THE OPPONENT DOESN"T HAVE HIS HELMET ON PROPERLY" speech because I haven't heard anything stupid from the guy who's running the ship of these stupid goons. Why only 1 game? Must be more stupid people higher up in the league who don't care about how their game looks to the average sports fan.
Amen to Jeff's comment, this would have been a non-issue if someone were to jump on pronger as soon as Mcammond hit the ice. Same thing for whoever elbowed Comrie in the face last game. If I were Campbell, I'd be furious at Pronger for embarrasing me, since I had admonished him only a couple of weeks ago to no avail. As for that Alfredsson goal, you guys need to watch the replay. No way was that a kick: legs bend at the knee, thus feet can only go 2 ways. He was 'kicking' away from the net, explain that. That said, I agree that Vanek no-goal was total garbage, the intent of the rule vs. the black & white of the replay need to be recognized. You can't tell me we was attempting to kick the puck in the net.
"Is there ice left on any ponds anywhere? I could get into this sport if the season was half as long and played with twice as much passion."
I'm Canadian, and I couldn't agree with this more. The NHL wants more interest in the games, here's what they have to do: First and foremost, shorten the regular season. 82 games is too much. It shouldn't start until it is at least COLD in the north - probably October. The regular season should end by 1 March. Second, the playoffs (which can go 28 games, in theory, for any one team) are WAY too long. Conference quarter finals should be best of 3, Conference semi-finals best of 3, Conference finals best of 5, and the SC final can be best of 7. That should get hockey over and done with by the end of April while much of the continent can still muster a passing care about an ice game. Hockey in May and June is killing the league IMO. Third, the NHL has to give up on expansion into places that simply don't have winter. Better to expand into Northern Europe than Georgia and Florida. Frankly, they should drop pretty much every team hosted south of 35 latitude. Fourth, the NHL and the players have to recognize that they're never going to make NBA and NFL salaries, so they should give up the dream. lol yea a 25 game ban yea hes a burtuzzi alright give me a break he was skating backwords he stuck it out mcammond got hit on the noggin maybe he should not try to get out of the way of a shoulder hit and take it if he would of stood up it would of never have happen even the slitest move mcammond was almost at full speed remember that
It was a cheap shot and I'm glad for the suspension. I agree that more games should've been given, but keep in mind this is the Finals, so 1 game is a much bigger deal here than in the regular season.
What I can't get over is how NONE of the officials saw the play. It's not like this happened 50 feet away behind the play; McAmmond had the puck a split second earlier. What on earth were all the officials looking at? For everyone who argues that Pronger's height (6'6") somehow means he can't help all these headshots, please explain why Zdeno Chara (6'9") doesn't seem to have the same problem.
Because Zdeno Chara, like him or not, plays hockey. Chris Pronger cannot and never has been able to, control his emotions. He stops playing hockey when he's being embarrassed or losing and begins playing like a goon.
Chara keeps his elbows in when checking. Pronger is smart enough to not have the elbows out. I thought Pronger played much smarter hockey a year ago. Ottawa has a new war cry and a new incentive to pull this out.
As for those commening on the Refs, that wouldn't be easy to see let alone to judge an intent to injure. I've looked at the angles and you have to comment based on where the ref is positioned. If anything it makes an argument for a formal review system. Also.... has anyone considered that without obstruction these guys are moving faster when checked? The Ducks have been taking cheap, dirty hits after the play all playoff long.
Pronger obviosly did it on purpose and lied about it. There was no accident to it, as he claimed. Why am I going to tune in to watch nasty, cheap shots? I don't mind a clean fight or checks but the Ducks & Predators used garbage tactics to try and get ahead. Where is the motivation to watch skilled players fall to the ground or ride out the series in recover? I want to see hockey not Pronger's fits ! for all you girls out there whining about multiple game suspension, DFY! Thats hockey!
I'm a big hockey fan, but one who's not watching the Finals because the dirty Ducks are in them. All season long they've gotten away with dirty hits as well as rampant interference and obstruction. Pronger is the #1 offender. I am shocked that the NHL did not suspend him for more than 1 game, given his 1-game suspension just a couple weeks ago. He clearly is not learning his lesson...because the league is not making him.
Go Sens! come on Muir, be a real journalist and comment on both sides...you saw Neal's 6-stride and elbow's high hit on Andy McDonald...don't act like Prongs was the only offender here...let me guess, you take candy bars as long as you don't get caught too?
Pronger got what he deserved Posted: 9:20 PM, June 03, 2007 by Anonymous
Anon 5:31, you say you have "little knowledge of your game" and then mention Wayne Maki, who played in the late 1960's? Explain that one. You complain about a shorter season played with more passion. Compared to what? A 162 game baseball season? Like they care. Tons of passion in those games, idiot. You can play 4 baseball games in the same day and why would you be tired? Idiot. Sorry I suppose I should have been clearer; I have little knowledge of your modern build of NHL hockey. I was a big fan before greedy owners, players, and league diluted the game to the current form. Which I might add is carried on some network I have never heard of on cable television now. I may not be alone in my lost interest after all. To assume that I am a baseball fan is a leap, but if you want to see passion in the game of baseball the Yankees playing the Red Sox at Fenway is a good start. For other good passion filled match-ups in the six tabs before the NHL one above this article: consult your local listings. 162 games at older venues with lower ticket prices might entice me to sit in the sunny weather and enjoy it with friends. Rather than paying for extended cable and/or walking in to an air-conditioned palace (rebuilt by tax-payers funds every 30 years) at exorbitant prices to watch 1 decent line play 16 minutes of hockey after spending all day in the sun? As for the idiot comments: remember the adage about assuming? And keep the ad hominem slanders to a minimum. It makes politicians worry that you want their jobs. “Posted: 11:32 AM, June 04, 2007 by Darin I'm Canadian, and I couldn't agree with this more. The NHL wants more interest in the games, here's what they have to do:” The very first cutback should be in referees on the ice, if 4 guys still need to go upstairs then why have them? I thought zebras could have cooled some jets earlier in the period. Perhaps the NHL needs the little STOP stickers on the backs of jerseys like junior hockey? And new ones on the fronts of helmets for the random low skill hits doled out? Might make their job easier? And for the record Posted: 9:51 AM, June 04, 2007 by Jeff is on the money. I want Dave Semenko back in the league. If Rocky Balboa is able to make a comeback then get cement-hands some skates. It is about time that some one notices how when the Ducks are down that they resort to complete thuggery. They have clearly gone after the opposition's best players with the clear intent to injure those players.
Pronger gave a clear cheap shot - his second in two series and should be gone for the series. Pronger Schmonger. The guy is a goon. But what about brett hull? When he said (regarding Alfredsson's deflection) "can we really trust the guys making these decisions?" I couldn't believe it. Hello, 1999? Brett, I would think the answer to your question is obvious. No, you can't trust them.
This discussion about Pronger's stupidity has deteriorated into a debate over the NHL. Come on, guys - stay on task. Pronger will be deservedly out of the line-up tonight and we'll see if his absence will he really make that much of a difference in the outcome of the game or the series. The truth is that there are a lot of folks who want to go to a fight and see a hockey game break out. It's always been part of the sport, fans love it (rightly or wrongly)and the league only pays lip service to the "problem" when there's an egregious incident. Maybe the Ducks will dress George Parros tonight.
Pronger's suspensions have taken place because his aggressive play dictated that he is a big guy trying to make something happen without the puck, but unfortunately his skills are deteriorating when it comes to speed and catching up to the play in front of him. Ever since he was with the blues (post puck on heart shot) he has been labeled a tough guy. I saw both hits by Pronger(along with everyone else's 2007 playoffs hits) and I concluded at the time they occurred that both hits by Pronger would be reviewed by the league hands down (Yes the refs missed both, ouch! and many more these playoffs, but not one single hook or lack off). As how the suspensions were handled, I agree with some of you that it is not an exact science, and unfortunately player politics play a part in it.
The Pronger incident and the wrist-slapping issued by the NHL, along with the horrendous officiating that never saw what happened, serve to demonstrate why the Cup ratings have been abysmal, even when Game 3 was shown on NBC. While not as big an incident as the hit by Ottawa on Drury, McSorley's attack of Brashear, or what Bertuzzi did to Moore, Pronger's deliberate cheap shot and the minimal suspension once again shows that the NHL is not all that interested in preventing what has degraded the sport to acts more appropriate for professional wrestling or roller derby.
Pronger is a repeat offender - not just because of a couple of games this playoff season. Since he didn't learn to control how he hits opponents after the first suspension, the league should have ended his season after Saturday. Then again, such a suspension would not serve the Barnum & Bailey showmanship mentality that is pervasive throughout Mr. Bettman's NHL tenure. Then again, by letting Pronger return from suspension, he'll likely be a distraction to Anaheim, just as he was in the Detroit series. Do any of you people actually play hockey? Seriously the guy is 6'6" tall and if you use your couch potato tivo's you would see that McAmmond was trying to go around the check thus lowering his body. He is already 7 inches shorter than Pronger, and while trying to miss the open ice hit he squatted down even further.
The news media like in every other area of our lives needs to stop portraying people as guilty before thus removing any chance of impartiality by officials. Once again media irresponsibility wins out. A CHEAP and DIRTY SHOT by a player that ironically demonstrated a lot of grit, class and leadership in last years cup finals..
Even if the Ducks win, Pronger will still be the dirtiest player in this "new" NHL. Great Acomplishment!! Cheap shots to the head are not hockey. Pronger, an incredibly respected veteran from last years cup final, should know this.
1 game suspension to a repeat offender is complete crap, lets hope he doesnt end a senators career in game 4- the new nhl may finally learn something.. :O!!! Terry O'Reilly got a 10 game suspension for pointing his finger at Ven Hellemond, this suspension should be 25 games minimum.
Pronger is stupid. His team still leads the series 2-1 and clearly was just having a bad game. If I were a duck, I wouldn't want to have an idiot like him as a teammate. And the 4 refs should be fined for gross negligence. How can they all miss this. The puck carrier and all 4 miss Pronger's hit? Sure, and how can the league justify paying them. Christopher, if I were 6'6" and 220+lbs and had a line on Dean McAmmond crossing the blue line I would move my feet a little and hip check the little sod as he tried to go wide on me. Of course, if I knew that I could knock him out of the game without a penalty and without getting beat with a lazy shot to the head, I think I would be a goon.
30 mins of hockey a night is yeoman's work, but plenty of others have done the same amount of work and not resorted to goonery. Bourque for one. Do YOU actually play hockey Christopher? Pronger has been playing long enough on this elite level to have the reflexes and foresight to determine in a nanosecond how and where he is going to deliver a check. If indeed you do play, but have somehow forgotten while you sojourn back to your hockey glory days, you will know that a check of this nature is supposed to be delivered by the shoulder. So what if he's taller. It doesn't change the fact that he threw a bogus, late check with his ELBOW. And... it's not like Pronger's history of cheap shotting helps his innocence.
Pronger will pay when, in his post-hockey life, nothing happens: no interviews, no asking him for fond recollections. Instead, he is now and forever will be a member of the Hall of Goons who compensate for poor abilities by whacking good players. His kind eventually reveals itself, so it's a surprise that refs don't pay special attention to his presence on ice. His future fame will be as the driver of a Zamboni in a Siberian minor-league village.
The suspension doesn't even matter now, the Ducks are too good for the playoff-choking-sens. Up 3-1 in the series, its going to be a party this Wednesday in Anaheim.
When has hockey ever been considered a civilized sport? To hear the posts here everyone should just play nice and never touch another player!Pronger's "hit" didn't look that intentional or malicious (this time). He's a big guy. If everyone else on the ice were the same size he wouldn't be penalized so much. He can't help it that everyone else comes up to his shoulders.
I don't like to see the fights as I think they're a waste of time. But come on, hockey is a physical game and guys are gonna get hit and take hits. If you want to talk about cheap shots, what about Alfredsson's shot at Niedermayer in the second period of Game 4? Bet they won't do anything to him. There is such an anti-Duck bias it's pathetic. It's OK though they'll still win despite it all and you guys will have more to complain about! Where's your story today, Muir? Taking a little longer to dig up ways to trash the Ducks? What a miserable summer it'll be for you, eh.
Pronger is yesterday's skill.... old, slow and dirty.... he has always played the dirty side. Dion Phanuef is the only true "killer" defenseman in the league. He hits hard, mean, with his shoulder and with everyone he tries to put you through the boards. That is what a defenseman has to do. The objective of the opponent is to do that to him and or get by him. that is how hockey is played !
Blah blah blah - Pronger is one of the best Defensemen in the league and has always played a very 'tough, gritty' style of hockey. His hit was MILD compared to what Neil tried to do to McDonald. Now, on to another issue for all you emo tear babies out there, this is hockey, its fast, furious, and tough. For the Captain of the Senators to aim a Slap shot at the Captain of the Ducks at the end of the second period and hit him with the puck intentionally is pretty well the weakest, poorest use of judgement i have witnessed. You want to talk about a cheap shot and a dirty play...there is a prime example right there. What a poor show of leadership by who used to be somewhat respected.
Anonymous at 11:55 said:
"He's a big guy. If everyone else on the ice were the same size he wouldn't be penalized so much. He can't help it that everyone else comes up to his shoulders." So, using that logic, I guess a "little" guy like Andy McDonald can skate around and punch everyone in the nuts and it's OK. What a moron. Unless he bacame 6'6" overnight, he knows EXACTLY how tall he is and where he's going to hit someone. He knows the rules. He has been suspended for various infractions 9 other times in the past. He's a repeat offender. PRONGER NEEDS TO SIT! HE NEEDS TO LEARN! Ever see an inadvertent high stick during a game? Even if it's an accident the player still gets the penalty because the league has mandated that each player is responsible for what he does with his own stick. Why can't elbows be the same? Bottom line -- this game is like any other professional sport. It is about TV ratings and REVENUE. Pronger won't get a prolonged suspension because maybe, just maybe, some people tune in to watch him. Campbell won't jeopardize that. And Pronger is supposed to be a Norris candidate? If he wins the trophy it will expose the league for the joke that it is. I've been a diehard hockey fan for years and I will consider flipping over to the golf channel. At least the rules are universally enforced. Pronger is a classless player on a classless organization in a classless city.
I absolutely love how the news media has labeled Alfredsson's blatant shot at Niedermayer as "Alfredsson slapper at Niedermayer"...Holy cow, Pronger was guilty as Jack the Ripper...but this "Captain" of the Senators gets off without any penalty.
A blow to the head in a sport that has checking, high sticks and brawls in every game causes a player to miss a game. Where is Alfredsson's suspension? That is BS, and just shows that the officiating is either rigged or completely biased to make the series go longer.  |
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