After Bettman looks at it and takes into account what Scott the Meathead was trying to do to a Star Player, I can see him taking a couple of games off the suspension.

How many games is Scott getting??
- Byfuglien Ate Me

You don't get suspended for breaking an unwritten rule.

Of course it's fair. How is there any discussion? The rule is clear; leave the bench to engage in an altercation, and it's an AUTOMATIC 10-game suspension. Nothing else needs to be discussed about it.
- isles10289

the NHLPA and their overpaid lawyers will argue the RULE is up to interpretation. As you state, "leave the bench to engage in an altercation"
the lawyers will argue that Clarkson didnt throw a punch so therefore he didnt "engage in an altercation".

Most likely they will reduce the suspension on this one, and this one only, and then change the "wording of the rule", so everyone is happy and clear going forward.

we wish Mr Vanek nothing but the best as he recuperates from his injuries on Nov 26th.

Stop living in the past man.
- Not_Yan

ok, you can leave now!!

we wish Mr Vanek nothing but the best as he recuperates from his injuries on Nov 26th.
- galahad

the NHLPA and their overpaid lawyers will argue the RULE is up to interpretation. As you state, "leave the bench to engage in an altercation"
the lawyers will argue that Clarkson didnt throw a punch so therefore he didnt "engage in an altercation".

Most likely they will reduce the suspension on this one, and this one only, and then change the "wording of the rule", so everyone is happy and clear going forward.
- 10baci

no, I think the 10 stick - drop the puck already!!!!

we wish Mr Vanek nothing but the best as he recuperates from his injuries on Nov 26th.
- galahad

Why are you planning on attacking him leaving the hotel?

the NHLPA and their overpaid lawyers will argue the RULE is up to interpretation. As you state, "leave the bench to engage in an altercation"
the lawyers will argue that Clarkson didnt throw a punch so therefore he didnt "engage in an altercation".

Most likely they will reduce the suspension on this one, and this one only, and then change the "wording of the rule", so everyone is happy and clear going forward.
- 10baci

And the NHL will show a video of Clarkson clearly "engaged in an altercation"

This appeal is ridiculous. Clarkson doesn't have a leg to stand on.

we wish Mr Vanek nothing but the best as he recuperates from his injuries on Nov 26th.
- galahad

Is Joffery going to be injured by then? Maybe he can be Mr. tough guy then...

Is there an over under on him being out by then?

Why are you planning on attacking him leaving the hotel?
- Buffalo-Sabres

Entering, you know get him before the game

Is Joffery going to be injured by then? Maybe he can be Mr. tough guy then...

Is there an over under on him being out by then?
- derekjd

I'd say UNDER

he's already been out, how much do I win?

I guess you never played hockey - a spear? He pushed him with his stick..he didn't try and injure or stick it in his ribs or anything.

I'd love to see you drop them with John Scott - (frank)ing funny to watch the pee running down your leg!!!
- Garnie

Kessel is going to lose the spear argument as well. A spear is a spear regardless of the force. The fact that it came after 2 lumberjack slashes hurts his case even worse.

A) Rolston didn't send Scott out to jump anyone - Scott was already on the ice before the faceoff. Want to blame someone, blame the coach who had the last line change but left his star player on the ice next to a goon who just saw a teammate get his head driven into the ice.

B) Kessell didn't attempt to spear, he did spear, like the stick swinging, mouth-running coward he is.

C) Clarkson deserves 10 regular season games.
- marcr27

Ummm thats when players are sent out on the ice "pre-faceoff".... Ever played the game before bud????

Kessel is going to lose the speak argument as well. A spear is a spear regardless of the force. The fact that it came after 2 lumberjack slashes hurts his case even worse.
- fiveandagame

2nd hack gets him in the trouble - he just touched him with the stick to say " hey you're a (frank)ing idiot"

And the NHL will show a video of Clarkson clearly "engaged in an altercation"

This appeal is ridiculous. Clarkson doesn't have a leg to stand on.
- fiveandagame

I have no idea if he did or didnt, im just playing Devil's advocate...you know lawyers, they'll come up with anything to "DEFEND" their client.

IMHO, the 10 games should stick...but this is the NHL, a league run by men who have never played a sport let alone hockey, so yeah, anything can happen

Kessel is going to lose the speak argument as well. A spear is a spear regardless of the force. The fact that it came after 2 lumberjack slashes hurts his case even worse.
- fiveandagame

He had to go and get his stick to spear Scott.

I'd say UNDER

he's already been out, how much do I win?
- Garnie

Cup of Tim's?

How is it not fair? thats the dumbest thing i have ever read i mean its a automatic suspension for leaving the bench. How is it not fair is my question?!?!

Ummm thats when players are sent out on the ice "pre-faceoff".... Ever played the game before bud????
- wylie61

Sorry for not being clearer, bud, he'd been on the ice during the previous shift. He never left the ice. Ergo he never went back to the bench to get the alleged instructions from Rolston to jump Kessel.

Cup of Tim's?
- derekjd

*sigh* just send me a keurig cup

A) Rolston didn't send Scott out to jump anyone - Scott was already on the ice before the faceoff. Want to blame someone, blame the coach who had the last line change but left his star player on the ice next to a goon who just saw a teammate get his head driven into the ice.

B) Kessell didn't attempt to spear, he did spear, like the stick swinging, mouth-running coward he is.

C) Clarkson deserves 10 regular season games.
- marcr27

What difference does it make whether Scott was sent on or left on. Scott has said he was there to fight who ever was lined up against him.

Tropp is a star player? His head was not driven into the ice. He and Devane were exchanging punches in a fight Tropp started when they both went down. Unfortunately, Tropp hit his head. Look at Devane's expression when he enters the box and looks back to see that Tropp is hurt. He was not happy about what happened.

Lol at your Kessel description.

Yes Clarkson deserves 10

i'm very excited about clarkson missing the flyers game

How is it not fair? thats the dumbest thing i have ever read i mean its a automatic suspension for leaving the bench. How is it not fair is my question?!?!
- derfmred

Just in retrospect that he didn't injure or attempt to injure anybody.

You have guys that head hunt and take liberties and try to injure and they get less.

Sure it's automatic, doesn't mean its fair in some peoples eyes.

I think he was stupid to leave the bench and he's going to sit 10

I don't think somebody saying it's unfair is dumb...if you look at it that way

He had to go and get his stick to spear Scott.
- Al Hacker

Exactly

i'm very excited about clarkson missing the flyers game
- Flyfreaky