When the last time you ve seen a 3-5 game suspension for a slash or spear?
- Yeti1181

I dunno, I never recall seeing one as two guys are jumping a player. Especially a two hander like that. I totally agree the first one was self defense. The second one was malicious. If Subby did that too Orr, would you feel the same?

What does it matter if people feel like they would do the same thing? You can't go around taking golf swing slashes at other guys like that. Using your stick as a weapon should be a pretty big suspension. Clarkson will get his 10 games, Scott might get a game, Kessel should get 3-5.
- woopstash

There is a 0% chance Kessel gets anywhere near 5.

Maybe 1. Probably a fine.

What does it matter if people feel like they would do the same thing? You can't go around taking golf swing slashes at other guys like that. Using your stick as a weapon should be a pretty big suspension. Clarkson will get his 10 games, Scott might get a game, Kessel should get 3-5.
- woopstash

You don't throw the book at a guy for doing something you would do yourself. That's why it matters. This wasn't a hockey fight, there was only one aggressor. If Kessel has a much bigger person trying to attack him, he has to defend himself.

I dunno, I never recall seeing one as two guys are jumping a player. Especially a two hander like that. I totally agree the first one was self defense. The second one was malicious. If Subby did that too Orr, would you feel the same?
- I-own_da-Northwest

It's tough to defend the second one, that one is on Phil. Personally I'm not losing any sleep over it though. Scott deserved everything he got and then some.

I dunno, I never recall seeing one as two guys are jumping a player. Especially a two hander like that. I totally agree the first one was self defense. The second one was malicious. If Subby did that too Orr, would you feel the same?
- I-own_da-Northwest

If Orr tried to jump him like that for no reason I probably side with subban. I have o respect for jumping people whether sports or in life in general.

It's tough to defend the second one, that one is on Phil. Personally I'm not losing any sleep over it though. Scott deserved everything he got and then some.
- Jeffmt

Agree 100%

If Orr tried to jump him like that for no reason I probably side with subban. I have o respect for jumping people whether sports or in life in general.
- Yeti1181

Yeah for sure, now I'm not saying kessel was going for a "Mcsorley Homerun" but he was definately trying to power a line drive Down the 3rd base line

Yeah for sure, now I'm not saying kessel was going for a "Mcsorley Homerun" but he was definately trying to power a line drive Down the 3rd base line
- I-own_da-Northwest

He was def trying to get his point across.

Is there a "second off" coming? Or did you lose your train of thought?
- Lampy823

I'm pretty sure it's a (frank) off

Kind of surprised that so many Leafs fans are defending Kessel's stick-work. That stuff has no place in the game, regardless of circumstance. If you think that it does, what happens when everyone starts swinging their sticks like that? Are we going back to the Bobby Clarke era Flyers? Kessel should be made an example of what will not be tolerated in hockey anymore.

Kind of surprised that so many Leafs fans are defending Kessel's stick-work. That stuff has no place in the game, regardless of circumstance. If you think that it does, what happens when everyone starts swinging their sticks like that? Are we going back to the Bobby Clarke era Flyers? Kessel should be made an example of what will not be tolerated in hockey anymore.
- notalent

Are you effing kidding me? You're an effing homer. If Orr tried to fight Ennis wtf would you expect Ennis to do? You're an idiot. John Scott has no place in the AHL let alone an NHL team, figure it out. This is about protecting the stars of the league, not punishing them for reacting the only way that can insure their safety. You're a Buffalo fan so i honestly don't expect you to actually know anything about professional sports but seriously.

Kind of surprised that so many Leafs fans are defending Kessel's stick-work. That stuff has no place in the game, regardless of circumstance. If you think that it does, what happens when everyone starts swinging their sticks like that? Are we going back to the Bobby Clarke era Flyers? Kessel should be made an example of what will not be tolerated in hockey anymore.
- notalent

Yeah but at the same time what Scott did is also something nobody wants to see in hockey. You can't have players just beating on other players, at that point it's no longer hockey, it's a street fight, and I think anything goes. Both were bad plays but Scott started it so I'd say the blame lies with him more than Kessel.

Taylor Hall likes to slash people too.


He also likes to throw elbows and knees.


Keeps guys honest who are gonna take a run at him.


Worked well for Messier

I missed the game, but following it on Twitter seemed like it was intense. Did Kessel initiate the issue with Scott or did Scott start it?

No trolling, I come in peace.

I'm not really sure what happened before but:

I'm not sure Kessel should be getting suspended. Maybe a fine but that's a mis-match of epic proportions, he's protecting himself from a guy who makes his living off fighting.

The kessel vs flynn fight was kind of a joke. I know most people think it's impressive but Flynn's half the fighter Kessel is, didn't really expect him to fight in the first place.

Nice tilt from from Bernier, although I'm not sure they really needed to do that but I won't complain, it was fun to watch.

I really admire what Clarkson did sticking up for his star player, even if it means getting suspended. Better he be suspended then something serious happen to Kessel IMO.

I'm not sure which leafs forward it was that was fighting Ruhwedel but that was kinda weak.

Bottom line, I really wish John Scott wasn't on the team, the whole situation is kinda embarrassing and really didn't need to happen in a pre-season game. On the other hand, probably the most entertaining pre-season game i've ever seen so...

Also not sure what the hate on Foligno is, I don't see him on the ice?

Yeah but at the same time what Scott did is also something nobody wants to see in hockey. You can't have players just beating on other players, at that point it's no longer hockey, it's a street fight, and I think anything goes. Both were bad plays but Scott started it so I'd say the blame lies with him more than Kessel.
- 13sundin13

The problem for the Leafs is really two fold. Clarkson gets suspended, simple enough.
Does not matter if Kessel gets a suspension. In the mind of Sabres players he crossed a line in swinging his stick, Sabres will be out to get him. So, he has to fight in order to make it go away.

Grinders like Foligno and especially, Ott and Keletta will be able to take liberties with Kessel. And, if Kessel refuses to fight they will be able to apply the code and ignore Orr and try to goad him into taking instigator penalties.

This will end when Kessel does a turn, does his own fighting and allows everyone to move on. Toronto does not need this kind of feud with a team that is likely in a lead lottery position this year. Buffalo has nothing to lose. The Leafs will be a dogfight for a playoff spot. A 10 game suspension to Clarkson is not a positive season start.

Kind of surprised that so many Leafs fans are defending Kessel's stick-work. That stuff has no place in the game, regardless of circumstance. If you think that it does, what happens when everyone starts swinging their sticks like that? Are we going back to the Bobby Clarke era Flyers? Kessel should be made an example of what will not be tolerated in hockey anymore.
- notalent

Agreed, if someone two handed chopped me like that I'd knock their teeth out.

The problem for the Leafs is really two fold. Clarkson gets suspended, simple enough.
Does not matter if Kessel gets a suspension. In the mind of Sabres players he crossed a line in swinging his stick, Sabres will be out to get him. So, he has to fight in order to make it go away.

Grinders like Foligno and especially, Ott and Keletta will be able to take liberties with Kessel. And, if Kessel refuses to fight they will be able to apply the code and ignore Orr and try to goad him into taking instigator penalties.

This will end when Kessel does a turn, does his own fighting and allows everyone to move on. Toronto does not need this kind of feud with a team that is likely in a lead lottery position this year. Buffalo has nothing to lose. The Leafs will be a dogfight for a playoff spot. A 10 game suspension to Clarkson is not a positive season start.
- spatso

Well put

No trolling, I come in peace.

I'm not really sure what happened before but:

I'm not sure Kessel should be getting suspended. Maybe a fine but that's a mis-match of epic proportions, he's protecting himself from a guy who makes his living off fighting.

The kessel vs flynn fight was kind of a joke. I know most people think it's impressive but Flynn's half the fighter Kessel is, didn't really expect him to fight in the first place.

Nice tilt from from Bernier, although I'm not sure they really needed to do that but I won't complain, it was fun to watch.

I really admire what Clarkson did sticking up for his star player, even if it means getting suspended. Better he be suspended then something serious happen to Kessel IMO.

I'm not sure which leafs forward it was that was fighting Ruhwedel but that was kinda weak.

Bottom line, I really wish John Scott wasn't on the team, the whole situation is kinda embarrassing and really didn't need to happen in a pre-season game. On the other hand, probably the most entertaining pre-season game i've ever seen so...

Also not sure what the hate on Foligno is, I don't see him on the ice?
- Sabresfan-365

You are one of few Buffalo players who see it this way. Twitter was FILLED with hatred for Kessel calling him a wimp and stuff. But honestly, why would anyone who ISN'T paid to fight get in a scrap with a guy that much bigger who IS paid to fight.

I agree pre-season goalie fights are not exactly necessary but I get the idea. I think it was to show the rest of the league that Toronto aren't going to be push-overs anymore. They're here to fight and stick up for one another. Same with the Clarkson coming over the boards thing. And I agree with you, I'd rather lose Clarkson for 10 games at the start than Kessel for an entire season or any length of time.

The problem for the Leafs is really two fold. Clarkson gets suspended, simple enough.
Does not matter if Kessel gets a suspension. In the mind of Sabres players he crossed a line in swinging his stick, Sabres will be out to get him. So, he has to fight in order to make it go away.

Grinders like Foligno and especially, Ott and Keletta will be able to take liberties with Kessel. And, if Kessel refuses to fight they will be able to apply the code and ignore Orr and try to goad him into taking instigator penalties.

This will end when Kessel does a turn, does his own fighting and allows everyone to move on. Toronto does not need this kind of feud with a team that is likely in a lead lottery position this year. Buffalo has nothing to lose. The Leafs will be a dogfight for a playoff spot. A 10 game suspension to Clarkson is not a positive season start.
- spatso

I agree it is unnecessary in terms of escalating the feud, especially with Buffalo having nothing to lose. And they will likely be out to get Kessel, but I don't think they'll be able to take liberties on him. There's enough guys on the Leafs now that will stick up for him. Mabye we get the instigator penalty a few times, but there are other ways to go about it. We've got some guys now who like to throw out big hits, and that is always a good way to get back at them...yes I know Buffalo has some of those as well, but I think Toronto will be a much tougher team than expected this year and the team comrodery (sp?) they're showing is a fantastic sign.

I agree it is unnecessary in terms of escalating the feud, especially with Buffalo having nothing to lose. And they will likely be out to get Kessel, but I don't think they'll be able to take liberties on him. There's enough guys on the Leafs now that will stick up for him. Mabye we get the instigator penalty a few times, but there are other ways to go about it. We've got some guys now who like to throw out big hits, and that is always a good way to get back at them...yes I know Buffalo has some of those as well, but I think Toronto will be a much tougher team than expected this year and the team comrodery (sp?) they're showing is a fantastic sign.
- Domaju

The all for one rough house style can work if your winning. But it gets ugly very quickly if your losing. Remember, physical play can also take you off your game. Except for Detroit, most of the contending teams in the Atlantic (even Montreal) have a super heavyweight that can go every night.

Not sure the Leafs want to get the rep where they have to fight their key rivals every night, playoff teams try to avoid that cycle.

Canadian McDonalds > American McDonalds

*runs away*
- As_I_See_It

Oh no you dit-ant! Lol'

video shows clarkson comming off the bench, he is gone, scott is a douche, ya go after their top player and see what happenes
- btzturbo

But its ok for one of your guys going after one of our smaller players? typical leafs. lol

The all for one rough house style can work if your winning. But it gets ugly very quickly if your losing. Remember, physical play can also take you off your game. Except for Detroit, most of the contending teams in the Atlantic (even Montreal) have a super heavyweight that can go every night.

Not sure the Leafs want to get the rep where they have to fight their key rivals every night, playoff teams try to avoid that cycle.
- spatso

True. I don't think it's about getting the reputation of fighting every night. I think it's more about not getting pushed around and no longer letting their top guys get run over without some sort of defense

Got to love when the late night brain dead group show up and turn what happened in a hockey game into a pissing match about which country is better.