Chris Simon enters the 2007-08 season with five games remaining on his 25-game suspension for his two-hander to Ryan Hollweg’s chops back on March 8. But after the Islanders-Rangers melee Monday night at Nassau Coliseum, it’s possible more time could be tacked on to Simon’s suspension because of the match penalty he received after three tilts with Hollweg in the Isles’ 5-4 exhibition win in overtime. That will be up to the commissioner's office and dean of discipline Colin Campbell.
“I saw he got a match penalty,” Islanders coach Ted Nolan said of Simon. “That was no way a match penalty. We saw it on tape. Everything in preseason, they’re a little rusty. That’s one of those things where Garth [general manager Snow] will speak on that later.”
In two of the altercations between Simon and Hollweg, the referees could have called a third man in penalty against the Rangers, but they didn’t. Colton Orr received a high-sticking minor when he came at Simon while he was engaged with Hollweg early in the second period, and Jason Strudwick received a minor in the second period brawl that resulted in six players being thrown out of the game, including Simon, Kip Brennan and Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro along with Strudwick, Orr and Rangers goaltender Al Montoya.
“I believe in man-to-man combat, not man-to-two-men combat,” Nolan said. “Somebody can take care of themselves, but not having two guys jump on one guy all the time. That’s what they did. Simon handled himself the first time pretty good, but he got jumped the second time from behind, so, that’s why Ricky jumped in.”
The last thing the Islanders need is to see DiPietro get hurt, especially in something as silly as a brawl. But there was the franchise goaltender going to Simon’s aid by pulling Strudwick off his back and wrestling him to the ice, where DiPietro punched away. When DiPietro got to his feet and saw Montoya come skating past him, he called on the Rangers’ goaltender to do the honorable thing and shed his gear for a fight, which Montoya did. DiPietro had the courage to challenge former teammate Arron Asham, a proven dangerous NHL fighter, in a practice bout last year, so, Montoya wasn’t going to be much of a problem. But when he pulled Montoya down on top of him, DiPietro landed on his back with his unprotected head inches from the ice. Considering DiPietro’s two concussions last season, it was a dangerous spot, but he was able to get out from under and fire several punches at Montoya.
Despite the risk to his own health, it was hard not to like the competitiveness DiPietro displayed and the loyalty to his teammates. “You don’t usually worry about a guy like Si, but when he’s trying to fight two guys, you’ve got to get your nose dirty,” DiPietro said. “Whatever I can do to help out a teammate in need, I’m going to do it.”
Asked if he considered the risk of another concussion, DiPietro said, “No, at that moment, you’re worried about your guys. That’s all that matters at that moment is protecting your guys, protecting each other. I thought we did a good job of sticking together. That’s what good teams do. They stick together and fight and do whatever they have to do to get a win. We did that tonight.”
Not only did the Islanders fight for each other, but they also came back from a 4-1 deficit to win the game. A host of top Rangers were scratched, including Jaromir Jagr, Scott Gomez and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who avoided a confrontation with the feared Ice Girls, but in such a crazy game, those details don’t really matter. What matters is the esprit de corps shown by the Islanders. It’s the kind of thing that got them to the playoffs last season and that could go a long ways toward bringing them together for a fast start this season.
Of course, when it comes to a potential rematch Friday at Madison Square Garden, discretion might be the better part of valor. Avoiding any unnecessary injuries before the season seems like a good idea, but you know DiPietro will play in the Garden and Nolan would not say whether Simon will be in the lineup with a target on his back.
“Simon has to get game-ready because he’s going to miss the first five games of the regular season,” Nolan said. “We didn’t play him in the game tonight to [fight]. We played him to get him ready for when he misses five games at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, that happened, so, we’ll make up our lineup in the next couple days heading into the Garden.”
Comments (196)
By the way, those new Isles uniforms are horrible looking.
Just droppin' by for a quickie. Great to see the Isles comin out last night with such a punch, but let's remember kids, this is only preseason. What the hell was Ricky thinking coming out getting into a fist fight, nearly smashing his head onto the ice, risking his career and the Isles' season. For all the Isles have done for DP, all of the security Mr. Wang has given him, it would be nice if a little of that was mutual. It's one thing to stand up for a teammate, but come on it's preseason. This reckless behavior needs to end. Although I'm glad he kicked Montoya's a$$.
Simon's a goon and this chaos will probably carry into the first regular season matchup between the 2 clubs. I mean, they had 3 fights in the first preseason game. Hollweg, who claimed he wasn't even hurt after the incident, was clearly looking for revenge. So he jumped Simon a couple times, Simon took it, so hopefully that will all be done with. I've said it before and I'll say it again -- if Simon really wanted to injure Hollweg last season when he swung his stick, Hollweg would look less like a hockey player and more like the headless horseman.
Looking forward to a sweet beginning to the season.
CM
Good to see some old-time hockey last night. Not too many people there for a preseason game, but fans for both teams were loud. First time I've seen a goalie brawl live - great stuff. The whole place was going crazy when they were circling each other. What a rush...and I wasn't even in the fight.
Of course it's just preseason, but the Isles' powerplay was night and day depending on if Berard was out there. I wasn't crazy about his tryout at first, but he keeps his shots low and accurate, and despite the eye, he's got good vision out there and throws out some nice cross-ice passes. Hope he makes it, cause Bergeron is flat out useless. He's just a giant shot with no brains - both on offense and in his own zone. Hopefully he gets it together.
I know they talked about using Martinek on the PP if Berard doesn't make it, but it was a noticeable dropoff when Martinek was quarterbacking.
Hate to say it, but the naysayers on the Isles' side are wrong - Drury looked good out there. Dangerous shot and great positioning.
Hey Logan, great perspective. Did Botta write this for you? Do you have your blogs and articles approved by the Islanders before they're posted? Keep it up and you'll be writing the info you ate up last year from the Isles PR dept. "DP doesn't have a concussion, he's only going to be missing a couple of games, DP doesn't have a concussion".
You forgot to mention that they are giving away tickets to opening night, OPENING NIGHT, on Islanders.com. Still can't get a sell out!!
Check to see what else they need you to write before your next post. Which at your rate is sometime next week. Islanders shill!
this is what the Islanders Roster should be:
Forwards:
Fedotenko Comrie Guerin
Tambellini Vasicek Satan
Hunter Sillinger Sim
Hilbert Park Bergenheim
Bates (IR)
Simon (suspended 5 games)
Comeau or Colliton should be kept for the first 3 games..the 2 games after that vs. NYR & Toronto - either Bootland or Brennan should be brought up.
Defense:
Martinek Witt
Sutton Campoli
Bergeron Berard
Meyer
Gervais & Johnson will be sent to bridgeport b/c they both have 2 way contracts(both will still be used b/c of injuries)
G - Dipetro & Dubie
Upstate, I never heard anyone griping about Drury, and if they did they either clearly don't know the game of hockey or, like me, are REALLY UPSET the Isles didn't get him. I think the other 29 teams in the NHL would kill for someone with his presence, pedigree, and tendency to score the big goal. Gomez, on the other hand...time will tell on that one.
I too loved the old-time hockey last night, though I will only partially agree with Candyman's point. It's true that DP was a bit reckless when he fought with Strudwick and Montoya. I don't know if you ever played hockey, so forgive me if I sound patronizing, I don't mean to. I used to play, in fact I was a goalie, and DP is 100% right. When there's carnage going on around you on the ice, all you think about is protecting your team. He's gotten much better with concentrating on stopping the puck, and after last year's incident with Begin I'm sure he won't be as aggressive when challenging breakaways. However, this is part of the game, and if you want to spend your whole time concerned about getting hurt you shouldn't be out there at all. Taking a shot off the mask could give DP a concussion, so should he just retire instead of take that "risk"? To me, not sticking up for a teammate sounds as silly as that question.
As for a match penalty to Simon, it's absolutely ridiculous. If you look at the pictures from the game on this very site, the first shot is Hollweg OFF HIS FEET hitting Guerin from behind. That's an automatic game misconduct for charging. He's been doing it for years and, RJ Umberger aside, has never been held accountable. Strudwick absolutely deserved a 3rd man in match penalty for the 3rd brawl; I thought that was automatic too. Come on, NHL, we can't call selective penalties here. I almost wonder if the target on Simon's back is as much from the league as it will be for the Rangers. Either way, I agree Hollweg was out for revenge, and these next few games will be very interesting.
Also, Ted, by all that's good and holy in this world, PLEASE DO NOT PLAY DP ON FRIDAY. This bad blood will linger, and I could imagine that human garbage Avery trying to injure him for "retribution." He's too valuable to put him in danger for a pre-season game.
I'm happy with the makeup of our team right now. We have a ton of guys willing to pay the price for goals and stick up for each other. If people think we're going to roll over, they'll be in for quite a surprise.
Anyway, I'm out...I have to go buy season tickets, right next to Hilary Duff...
Sorry, forgot about the PP...It was a definite night-and-day difference. Berard should stay on the team for the special teams reasons, and he held his own at even strength yesterday too. Hopefully Gerard Gallant can get more out of these guys as the season progresses.
Brian,
I think you should be in school at 10:15 in the morning not writing on an Islanders blog. Who cares about who is giving what tickets away. Are you that upset your Rangers lost in PRESEASON. Get a life man, no one wants to hear your whining after these games. No one cares if the Rags only dressed a few veterans, I suppose since they looked so good against the Flyers on Saturday night they needed the day off!
Get Lost....
Nick,
I agree with you for the most part. Drury will do well this year. I personally expect Gomez to do very well on a line with Jagr. Career year would be nice but, then again I many be bias. But, I am a realistic Rangers fan.
The DP fight with Montoya, more power to them both for dropping the gloves. I didn't see any of the game. But, from the pictures they could have easily just stood on the outside and watched and just made sure the other guy didn't do anything. Know what I am saying? Even as a Rangers fan I don't want to see DP's career get cut short especially not by a poor decision. For that matter too I don't want to watch Montoya get his first concussion during a preseason game in a fight. Just my opinion though.
This hopefully makes for a interesting series this year.
Can I come to a game with you and sit next to Hillary?
Good Point Nick, I have mixed feeling about Berard. I was able to catch some of the game last night and Berard looked pretty good. MAB had a tough game with alot of turnovers which worries me that if Berard does make the team we will have two of the same type of player. I am guessing that Meyer will be traded/waived while Gervais will be our 7th D-Man.
Witt
Sutton
Martinek
MAB
Campoli
Berard
Gervais
Johnson
Waived:
Meyer
Upstate Isles fan, why all the negativity toward the team? Sure they're giving away tickets to the home opener - one pair a day for a month - for a total of roughly 60 tickets. I hardly think they're sitting around saying "we're 60 tickets short of a sell-out, whatever will we do?" Perhaps you should stick with NY's upstate team?
Sorry Upstate Isle Fan - I misread and attributed "Brian's" quotes to you. My bad.
Mike from Philly-
Did I whine? I agree, I could care less about losing a pre-season game and I'm quite happy that a lot of the vets didn't dress. We don't need anyone hurt in a scrimmage.
I was directing my questions to Logan and his one sided reporting. Zipay does the same thing and I enjoy it. Yea, the ticket thing was a shot, just wondering if Logan was going to help out with the sales.
Are you two? "We don't need you here, get lost". Why, are you going to take your ball and leave the playground?
I think I'll stay and talk hockey, just had to let Logan have it. Reporters aren't supposed to be biased, that's what editorials are for. Let the Islanders do their own marketing.
Why is someone from Philly an Islanders fan???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nisE6AGr03I
The Brawl Made YouTube
And Mook, you're more than welcome as long as I get the seat right next to her.
Thanks Nick.
Didn't realize that Montoya came all the way down the ice like that (NO TV COVERAGE!).
So DP did right.
First we beat the crap out of the Raggies, then we beat them in OT.
A sign of things to come... get ready to man-up Raggie fans.
I'll fight you for it!
Just keep your stick down Islanders fan!
LMAO!
I'll keep my stick down if you don't bring another Rangers fan to double-team me.
Also, Greg, CORRECTION from your article. Simon retaliated when Hollweg hit Freddy Meyer from behind, not Martinek.
Nick,
It's one thing to pull the extra man out of a fight, as DP did, but it's totally another to engage a fight with the other team's goaltender which could have easily landed DP on the IR with one small blow to his head.
Your point makes little sense to me. Quoting your post: "Taking a shot off the mask could give DP a concussion, so should he just retire instead of take that "risk"? To me, not sticking up for a teammate sounds as silly as that question."
Nick my man, this all comes down to a good old cost-benefit analysis. The risk of taking an ordinary shot off the helmet is hardly a comparison to fighting without a helmet and rolling around on the ice. The play last year against Montreal is not in the same league of stupidity as this fight. During the Begin incident, DP was going "all out" to save a goal, in an important game against a team they were battling with for one of the final playoff spots. This was a meaningless game, and DP should know better.
P.S. I am a goaltender who plays competitively today, but what me or you might do in terms of engaging in a meaningless fight with another goaltender is completely different from what an NHL franchise player should do, espcecially one with a history of concussion problems.
Thanks to whoever provided the link on youtube.
Notice how DP didnt obey "the rules" and continued to throw punches while they were on their backs. Whatever....
Candyman, I definitely see your point, and I'm glad at least it's 2 goalies talking about this (I'd still be playing when I could if not for an unfortunate injury, but I digress). It was surely a risk, and something that could have potentially hurt his career long-term. My issue is that, as Mookie admitted as well, Montoya came all the way down the ice to become involved. At that point, goalie fight is pretty much inevitable, though I will concede to being nervous watching DP laughing as he pummeled Montoya. It was part of that game, and given the circumstances it had to happen the way it did. With the other goaltender all the way down the ice getting involved in the fray, it really wouldn't fly for DP to beg off a fight because of his concussion history. They easily could have agreed to just wrestle each other a little, but DP isn't wired that way, for better or worse. Let's be grateful, at least, this fight went DP's way rather than a remake of Cloutier vs. Salo (shudder).
My point may have been a tad roundabout; I was merely saying not doing something that's part of the game because of an injury risk doesn't cross the mind of a competitive athlete, as I'm sure you know. It was an extreme example, but I was just again pointing out that in that circumstance DP and Montoya pretty much had to fight.
Also, I know I'm in the minority, but I don't hate the new jerseys. They're definitely growing on me. I signed 10 petitions against the fisherman, and I'd still prefer a classic look, but they're pretty sharp.
"They easily could have agreed to just wrestle each other a little, but DP isn't wired that way, for better or worse."
Let's just hope he doesn't try this stuff with Emery :)
Nick,
Well we can agree there. The jerseys we have been using over the recent years were so dull, it's hard to see a team not feeling completely lackluster while donning them. Haha I've always wanted to use the verb "don" in a sentence.
Nick,
Then again would you want me sitting that close to a pretty girl in the coliseum. I may spit on her at hit her with my stick.lol
Thinking about Montoya coming down the ice. My thoughts watching how the fight goes down is that he did just come down to hug with DP. He looks a bit surprised and not to qucik to drop the gloves when Ricky does. Either way, it was fun. No one got hurt and it makes for great hockey in the next couple of weeks.
I like the jerseys they are sporting this year. Not bad looking. I think the best step up they have taken on look in long time.
Didn't see the game last night. But I've read Logan's blow-by-blow analysis and all the comments here and on a few other hockey boards.
Remember last year when Dipietro got board-slammed in the corner during one of the first few games of the year? NOBODY lifted a finger to protect him. He started his own fight. Then after the game in the lockerroom he blasted his teammates for not sticking up for him. The guy is a leader and this team appears to be his kind of team.
The Isles are bigger and stronger. It's obvious that Ted liked what he saw during the Cup finals. Looks like he and Garth are trying to build the Long Island 'Ducks' (nice name, huh?)
Welcome to the post-Yasin era.
For the comment earlier about 29 other teams wishing they had Drury. No question he could be a good short term addition for the Rags. However, I got this from the horse's mouth. While Drury is a great teammate, apparently his wife is a bit of a cancer. She has a history of being critical of other players to the other wives. This filtered down into the room where the players wondered if these opinions were coming from Drury himself. Everyone knows how sensitive Jagr is already!
Wow, excitement by Icelander fans that The icelanders beat the NY Rangers last night. Can't wait for the real season to start to watch the disaster unfold on the Island!
ROTFLMFAO!!!!
Classy of DP to throw punches at Montoya while he was lying on the ice.
Montoya is a wuss, DP pummeled him to the ground. Montoya kept trying to punch so DP kicked his ass... funny how defensive Ranger fans get when their team gets physically pounded... get used to it, your team is too soft.
Oh and a side note... Hilary Duff is dating Mike Comrie...
Did you really think she'd date/go see a Ranger?
"goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who avoided a confrontation with the feared Ice Girls"
Great line Greg. It sure was fun at the coliseum last night. The comraderie, the fights, Mike Comrie's 4 points, and of course singing the Chicken Dance in the face of Ranger fans. The message the NHL should've gotten last night is "Fear the NY Islanders".
NickD
Brian G,
Gervais will not be sent down to the minors. He's ready to play at the NHL level, and playing in Bridgeport will only slow his development.
I think Johnson will likely be sent down, and the Isles will carry 7 defenseman, Berard likely seeing most of his time on the PP.
Cincy,
I like the fact that DP will step up. I never looked at it like DP being a leader but, it makes alot of sense that he be in front of the team in that sense.
Webb20,
Can you please explain the fascination with singing the chicken dance? I really don't get it. I am disgusted at things that are regular occurrences at the Garden. For instance the dumb Potvin chant. If the chicken dance were a routine performance at the Garden I would sink in my chair. Not, stand up dance and sing.
Huh?
Look at the pictures on Newsday. All you see are Ranger jersey's in the crowd, LOL!
Jordan-
One, welcome aboard, it's always nice to see a woman comment on hockey. Keep writing, women are always welcome.
Two, true the Rangers came out on the short end of the fights last night. However, fighting alone does not define team toughness. Finishing your checks, blocking shots, taking a hit to make the play, that's the toughness that is important. You must not watch a lot of hockey if you think what occurred last night would ever happen in a regular season game. Points are at a premium so the BS that took place would only happen in a regular season blowout. And, at that point, who care becuase one team already has the two points.
So, congrats on winning the fights, but I wouldn't classify the Rangers as being soft over it.
You're forgiven though, most women wouldn't even have the nerve to post on a hockey blog.
Not that I am a "Youtube" guy, but go there and you can see video of every fight last night....Along with Hollwig TURTLEING and still getting pummled in the 2 on 1 fight vs. Simon...Kip Brennan is THE MAN!!! I told you that guy would be a force. He beats the donkey out of two guys last night.
Orr had the best of Simon in the 2nd fight, until Simon knocks him to the ice with a fierce left.
Gotta love this rivalry!
Score meant NOTHING! We had 30% of our line up out and the Rags had 50% out!
it was great seeing Hollweg get the snot kicked out of him by Simon FACE TO FACE. Maybe now Hollweg will cut out the bs cheap shots from behind since he can't handle fighting face to face.
By the way, I'm not sure why people are applauding the DP/Montoya fight. DP was an embarrassment to the team last night. It was great that he got involved and pulled Strudwick off of Simon (because Strudwick saw that Simon was absolutely demolishing Hollweg), but there was no reason for him to drop the gloves/pads/helmet and challenge montoya. That move was strictly for show and basically him being a cocky idiot.
The crazy little kid RC has not posted here all day and yet he has stopped by the Rags blog a few times to talk his garbage.
Has he seen the light, that Islanders fans can't stand him and find him a disgrace?
So i just read all of that and it is 8 1/2 minutes I will never get back. Glad I learned something though, women don't usually have the juevos to post hockey comments, apparently. Hmmm. Interesting. And Jordan is apparently only a girls name. Whoa! Smart folk out here.
sarcasm meet what, what this is sarcasm. Hey post above, yep, smart folk out there.
Sad the most exciting game you will see happened already and in the preseason. Funny. Cant wait until Avery plays friday, lets see what you bums can blame him for on saturday. I'm sure Logan will think of something. Oh maybe Avery's mouthpiece made DP cry or something idiotic like that, let your imagination go free ;-)
Effigy:
I didn't see the game live, but it looked to me like Montoya was still throwing punches (or trying, at least) when he was on top of DP, and DiPietro just returned the favor. Fighting generally happens when you're on the ground, but of all the "rules" of hockey fighting, I think that's the most pliable. It's certainly not etched in stone the way, say, dropping gloves and removing your mask/visor is.
And for all those castigating Logan as a shill, keep in mind that this is a blog post, not a newspaper article. It's more of a column and less of a journalistic piece. While I admire the integrity he's generally shown in the blog, he's also allowed to let his opinion colour his commentary. If he thinks the Islanders did something worthwhile, he's within his rights to voice that.
It's nice to see the Rangers blow a 3 goal lead. Doesn't matter who was in the net. Maybe they should have saved some money for Defensmen.
Chrisc:
I love seeing the Rangers lose in any fashion but I don't think the comeback has anything to do with the Ranger defensive core. The Isles came back by the very means that put them into the 4-1 hole, but cashing in on the 5 on 3 powerplays handed to them. Most teams should score at least one when handed so many powerplay opportunities in a row. I think we should wait for the regular season before we berate their defensive core.
"but" about should be "by"
YAWN... still talking that same old nonsense. Over and over. What do you have alzheimer's? Get some new material. You put everyone to sleep here.
You embarass even your Ranger brethren. They distance themselves from you. They are so embarassed by you, that Steve Zipay deletes your posts, to stop the humiliation you bring.
Go do something productive, like watching the Rangers lose another game tonite. Might as well get ready for the inevitable this season.
“I believe in man-to-man combat, not man-to-two-men combat. Somebody can take care of themselves, but not having two guys jump on one guy all the time. That’s what they did. Simon handled himself the first time pretty good, but he got jumped the second time from behind, so, that’s why Ricky jumped in.” -- Ted Nolan
"It’s the kind of thing that got them to the playoffs last season and that could go a long ways toward bringing them together for a fast start this season." -- Greg Logan
Well said on both accounts, gentlemen. If this is the kind of gritty, gutty team we have this year, it's going to be a very fun season. On a side note, I'd still rather have Yashin than Comrie, but Hillary Duff is definitely an upgrade over Carol Alt, for the record. Go Isles!
Rags down 4-0 after 2 tonight and they have Jagr, Gomez, Straka, Prucha and Avery playing just to name a few.
Flukeqvist gave up 4 goals on 16 shots.
haha LETS GO ISLANDERS!
correction. Avery NOT playing but he sucks anyway so who cares.
that Gomez-Jagr chemistry is going great. 5 periods and have yet to put a puck in the net.
last year, when simon was suspended the last part of the season and asham was doing nothing as far as fighting was concerned, for the first time in my memory, the rags had the physical edge on us. last night was a real treat to watch, particularly when simon knocked down orr, one of the best fighters in the league with a devestating left. simon is still one of the best fighters in the league and unlike orr, can consistently contribute.i would love to see brennan make the team also, but i may be asking too much there. that would really bring back the good old days of islander hockey!
Last nights game meant nothing, but at least it created some bad blood. Last year it seemed like a typical divisional rivalry...until simon's chop. The best part is that we don't have to wait as long as last year to see it.
On a side note...I hope the rangers have no chemistry...and so far they don't. But this is the reason they play preseason games. This team has mucho talent and shouldn't be counted out. That said, there's no way they run through us. We may not have their talent but there is too much toughness on the isles. They may beat us but there will be plenty of punishment dished out.
Can't wait to see the isles for the first time this year on friday. Can pretty much say the score won't mean anything...but the hits the islanders will be delivering will definitely set a tone for the regular season
Let's see what the boys got. Gonna be a filthy year. Oh yeah!!!!!!
9:42 was me
Anyonwe who's interested. Update on our ex-captain mr.Yashin. His current club "Lokomotiv" Yaroslavl just fired Head Coach, Paul Gardner, former Predatosr Head Coach. Yashin has 2 goals and 6 assists in 8 games.
Hahahaha - DP absolutely abused and owned Montoya! You could see how scared Montoya was - he knew he was about to get his ass handed to him and then DP did that and more! DP was laughing the whole time!
And Hole-weg continues to hit people from behind and run away! He was so scared of Simon that is was funny!
The Isles kicked their butts in more ways than one last night!
And the Rags obviously have it in their heads as they are getting destoyed tonight as well!
How pathetic is it the rangers won only 3 cups in 60+ years when there were only 6 teams in the league??
i would love an intellegent answer on that
Rags with ALL their starters in last night LOSE AGAIN 6 -1 .... Their Defense is SWISS CHEESE!
Avery crying he did not play the other night...What would he have done? Kip Brennan would put that guy in the morgue. Then again he would probably go after a defenseless goalie. What a LOSERRRRRRRRRR
Contraction:
I really would not want to see Witt or Sutton run at Lundqvist for 2 reasons. 1.) Thats a dirty play and very unsportsman like. They can deal out plenty of punishment within the rules to skaters who are elligible like Avery. Witt and Sutton are better than someone who purposely looks to crash into the head of a guy he knows recently received a concussion. Still think Avery should have been suspended for that.
2.) Don't want to see Witt or Sutton removed for any number of game for a stupid play like that. This team can beat the Rangers fairly.
As for all of Avery's trash talk, I don't remember him being that tough last year. He contributed with attitude and a little offense. How many times did he drop the gloves?
Akeem,
instead of asking for someone to tell you about hockey history, LOOK INTO IT YOURSELF !!!
themass,
If that is the real you. I am asking this to talk hockey and get your real take on it. Not as a hater. Do you really think that the Islanders team is going to be that tough? They still have to make cuts no? Also, 'filthy year'? What is that going to prove besides a bunch of suspensions and not so many wins this year. My point really is that yes the Flyers have gotten tougher and the Islanders have as well. Probably both tougher than the Rangers i can admit. But, this league has changed the last few years. I guess it will be interesting to see if it helps. But, then again this was preseason. I wouldn't expect much of the same after Oct 4th.
Healy,
I couldn't agree with you more. As much as I may dislike the Islanders for the rivalry reasons. I never look for one player to purposely hurt another and anyone that knows a bit about hockey knows that is not the intention on the ice either.
Hollweg was mentioned here above I believe. Hollweg is no tough guy. To brag about beating up Hollweg is kinda sad really. When that idiot drops the gloves I get scared for him. He plays with intensity and throws the body around. Few times the hits are illegal. I know when its against your team you get mad. But, he also puts the Rangers in stupid situations doing so and Rangers fans get mad as well.
Avery is a pest. Thats all there is to it. No tough guy either. He can handle his own if he has to but, again not a fighter. But, he does his job well. He is a spark plug and I remember people here on this blog saying "wouldn't it be cool if we signed Avery away from the Rangers". Love to hate him but once he's wearing your jersey. You love him!
Had a hard time getting use to Gomez wearing a Rangers Jersey the other night.
those first 3 ranger banners are buried with jimmy hoffa
this is avery speaking, i know my skills are non-existant, i know i have a big mouth, and i can only cheap shot people and take dumb penalties but i assure you when i get challenged i will not fight and prove my rep to be a push over!!
RAG CONTRACTION has yet another alias on yet another blog.
ant, ANT huh?
why the name change?
realizing that us Islanders fans can't stand you on any blog?
do i really care if you cant stand me? hummmm, not at all, i am just exercising my 1st amendment rights, not using vulgarity in any way and voicing opinions. islander nation is just you. tell you what get a petition of EVERYONE who cant stand me, get them all to post it and we will see if that is true. if it is then i wont post. see if you can get 10 people? good luck and dont use GOD'S name in vein, i happen to be religious and find it offensive
islander nation,
by the way get your facts straight, I AM NOT RAG CONTRACTION and i will swear to that. ok JUNIOR???
Well you might as well be RAG because you play the same little games running around changing name doing nothing but talking sh!t. please tell us all about your WHL hockey career. We care. We really do.
lets go mets
Can we get back to hockey please? Okay, I'll start us off then. For the Islander Fans here: with just a couple games left, what are your thoghts about Berard actually making the team? He has been a positive factor on the power play.
Netminder, I 100% agree. I think the combination of Berard and Gallant in the coaching box has led to a night-and-day difference on the PowerPlay. MAB can't quarterback a powerplay; he needs a true PP quarterback to set him up for his vicious slapper.
Nick,
I agree with MAB needs a quarterback, which is what Poti was. If Berard stays, he may have a career year on LOng Island. Would not be surprised though if it's Meyer who gets sent down to the minors. He'll clear waivers, and then that will leave Gervais up here.
I think we're all too quick to discount Freddy Meyer. I may be partial as a fellow BU alum, but people seem to forget Meyer played very well in Philly during limited playing time in 05-06 (don't remember it off the top of my head, but I want to say 6-21-27 in 58 games). He could still be a very valuable part of this team, and I wonder if it may serve the team better to keep him and trade a guy like Campoli, who's now been locked up at an affordable rate, for some help up front. Or would it serve the team better to hold onto that depth in anticipation of Martinek's almost inevitable injury? Thoughts?
By the way, thanks Greg for making the correction that Hollweg hit Meyer from behind, not Martinek.