HEY! GUY WHO LIVES IN A SMELLY CITY! WE DONT TAKE KINDLY TO YOUR TYPES AROUND HERE
- Mapleleafs_91

x 3

Exactly. It was disgusting to me because of this. Same with the second slash. Already tied up, no need at all, nothing scott could do. As far as being against the Leafs...I have no feelings about them, only callin it as I see it.
- Jason_Lewis

Kessel even admits the second slash was unwarranted, but if a goon didn't go after a star player there wouldn't have been a slash.

Let me put it this way, if Scott went after Kopitar, then Anze turtled and got pummelled, would you be so forgiving of John Boy right now?

Star players are off limits, and I'm sure many fans would agree with me when I say that's the way it is, and always should be.

Exactly. It was disgusting to me because of this. Same with the second slash. Already tied up, no need at all, nothing scott could do. As far as being against the Leafs...I have no feelings about them, only callin it as I see it.
- Jason_Lewis

Kessel was obvioiusly pissed beyond belief and the slashes were bullpoop moves in my opinion, but can we please stop calling it a spear. A light push with the long edge of the stick's blade is not a (frank)ing spear.

Exactly. It was disgusting to me because of this. Same with the second slash. Already tied up, no need at all, nothing scott could do. As far as being against the Leafs...I have no feelings about them, only callin it as I see it.
- Jason_Lewis

Gee you having no ill will feelings for the Leafs? Hmmmm, I don't see you ragging all over Zack Kassian for BREAKING Gagner's jaw. I guess since u didn't comment on Gagner's injury, your ok with it than. So if Scott broke Kessel's jaw, you wouldn't say a peep on it cause you'd be fine with that too. Doesn't make sense.

Kessel even admits the second slash was unwarranted, but if a goon didn't go after a star player there wouldn't have been a slash.

Let me put it this way, if Scott went after Kopitar, then Anze turtled and got pummelled, would you be so forgiving of John Boy right now?

Star players are off limits, and I'm sure many fans would agree with me when I say that's the way it is, and always should be.
- The Shrike

If Scott went after Kopi, i would be EXTREMELY pissed. But then, I don't think anyone is defending Scott here. Just saying both sides did things that have to be addressed. The league blew it by giving Kessel a slap on the wrist but Scott nothing, while throwing the book at Clarkson (even if it had to be automatic). Par for the course with Shanny.

Gee you having no ill will feelings for the Leafs? Hmmmm, I don't see you ragging all over Zack Kassian for BREAKING Gagner's jaw. I guess since u didn't comment on Gagner's injury, your ok with it than. So if Scott broke Kessel's jaw, you wouldn't say a peep on it cause you'd be fine with that too. Doesn't make sense.
- GCHonda

It wasnt made into a big deal. Not enough people cried about it. Kassian got suspended. Maybe should of got more. But atleast its real games he isnt playing. You guys keep talking about what ifs. What ifs dont make any actions ok.

If Scott went after Kopi, i would be EXTREMELY pissed. But then, I don't think anyone is defending Scott here. Just saying both sides did things that have to be addressed. The league blew it by giving Kessel a slap on the wrist but Scott nothing, while throwing the book at Clarkson (even if it had to be automatic). Par for the course with Shanny.
- cryptical77

Is it really throwing the book at Clarkson. What he did is written in the rules. If scaring a star player was in the rules and said that you cant do it. Then Scott would be in trouble.

Kessel even admits the second slash was unwarranted, but if a goon didn't go after a star player there wouldn't have been a slash.

Let me put it this way, if Scott went after Kopitar, then Anze turtled and got pummelled, would you be so forgiving of John Boy right now?

Star players are off limits, and I'm sure many fans would agree with me when I say that's the way it is, and always should be.
- The Shrike

Just because you are a star, or any player for that matter, does not give you the right to slash and spear a player, if anything a player defending himself with a stick is a douche bag anyways.

Gee you having no ill will feelings for the Leafs? Hmmmm, I don't see you ragging all over Zack Kassian for BREAKING Gagner's jaw. I guess since u didn't comment on Gagner's injury, your ok with it than. So if Scott broke Kessel's jaw, you wouldn't say a peep on it cause you'd be fine with that too. Doesn't make sense.
- GCHonda

Key difference: Kassian was suspended properly for it. My gripe is more with the league's discretion here than Kessel. What he did was stupid and if he was properly punished you wouldn't be reading half as much about it. You're jumping to a bold conclusion saying I'd be fine with Scott breaking Kessel's jaw good sir.

Key difference: Kassian was suspended properly for it. My gripe is more with the league's discretion here than Kessel. What he did was stupid and if he was properly punished you wouldn't be reading half as much about it. You're jumping to a bold conclusion saying I'd be fine with Scott breaking Kessel's jaw good sir.
- Jason_Lewis

Its like these guys are saying its fine Kessel did what he did because, He could have gotten beaten up. Could haves and what ifs dont make things ok.

Is it really throwing the book at Clarkson. What he did is written in the rules. If scaring a star player was in the rules and said that you cant do it. Then Scott would be in trouble.
- poisondhearts37

I hear ya. I'm just saying that Clarkson got the worst of all of this, yet his infraction was the most honorable of all 3. Everything just seems bass ackwards here.

Just because you are a star, or any player for that matter, does not give you the right to slash and spear a player, if anything a player defending himself with a stick is a douche bag anyways.
- blk4x499

What spear?

"and the spear was absolutely disgusting."

LOL. he literally just touched him. Calling it was "Spear" is absurd.

Key difference: Kassian was suspended properly for it. My gripe is more with the league's discretion here than Kessel. What he did was stupid and if he was properly punished you wouldn't be reading half as much about it. You're jumping to a bold conclusion saying I'd be fine with Scott breaking Kessel's jaw good sir.
- Jason_Lewis

I would have done the same thing maybe even more if I had a 6`8`270lb goon tell me he`s gonna jump me.

I would have done the same thing maybe even more if I had a 6`8`270lb goon tell me he`s gonna jump me.
- isitin

So because Scott is big and tries to intimidate Kessel, that justifies Kessel using his stick as a weapon? Even after Scott is being held by teammates and refs? So what's the excuse when he hacked at Luke Schenn? What about Ben Holmstrom?

I'm just dying to hear the excuse on those ones.

Truth is I'm not wearing any sort of tinted glasses here. If this was Mike Richards doing the same thing to say...Paul Bissonette...I'd be saying the same thing about Richards. No doubt in my mind.

So because Scott is big and tries to intimidate Kessel, that justifies Kessel using his stick as a weapon? Even after Scott is being held by teammates and refs? So what's the excuse when he hacked at Luke Schenn? What about Ben Holmstrom?

I'm just dying to hear the excuse on those ones.

Truth is I'm not wearing any sort of tinted glasses here. If this was Mike Richards doing the same thing to say...Paul Bissonette...I'd be saying the same thing about Richards. No doubt in my mind.
- Jason_Lewis

what kessel did was wrong but at the same time hilarious and i loved it. that little jab he took at scott after the goalies fought and he was tangled up with clarkson really made me laugh me ass off.

So because Scott is big and tries to intimidate Kessel, that justifies Kessel using his stick as a weapon? Even after Scott is being held by teammates and refs? So what's the excuse when he hacked at Luke Schenn? What about Ben Holmstrom?

I'm just dying to hear the excuse on those ones.

Truth is I'm not wearing any sort of tinted glasses here. If this was Mike Richards doing the same thing to say...Paul Bissonette...I'd be saying the same thing about Richards. No doubt in my mind.
- Jason_Lewis

Can you name me a severe suspension, or anything that was more than a fine or a single game suspsension...ever...for someone slashing another player below the waist? Feel free to take your time and do a thorough job. I can assure you that you wont find many.

You're here crying because a guy who slashed another player in the legs isn't getting suspended the same amount of games normally handed out to players who hit from behind (boarding) and shots to the head.

You're essentially pissing and moaning that what should normally be a routine penalty or a fine isn't being treated as one of the worst offenses in hockey.

NOTE: I only bring up the above incident because I couldn't find any other slashing suspensions in recent years. Nothing.

Mike Cammalleri got only 1 game for this slash to the face followed by a slash to the ankles. Much worse than what Kessel did. And that was a rare instance where a suspension was handed out. Check the NHL records, and you'll be hard pressed to find many slashing supsensions, as opposed to fines or 1 gamers.

It's sad when you take issue with Kessel getting 3 preseason games for slashing an ankle/leg, but have no problem with 3 guys who got roughly the same suspension as Kessel, but their crimes ranged from illegal hits to the head and boarding. You're trying to make the NHL seem inconsistent and off track here, but maybe the guy in the mirror is who you should be more concerned about in this instance. It's okay to think a shot to the leg is the same as a shot to the head, but problems arise when you think you're right by thinking that.

Mike Cammalleri got only 1 game for this slash to the face followed by a slash to the ankles. Much worse than what Kessel did. And that was a rare instance where a suspension was handed out. Check the NHL records, and you'll be hard pressed to find many slashing supsensions, as opposed to fines or 1 gamers.

It's sad when you take issue with Kessel getting 3 preseason games for slashing an ankle/leg, but have no problem with 3 guys who got roughly the same suspension as Kessel, but their crimes ranged from illegal hits to the head and boarding. You're trying to make the NHL seem inconsistent and off track here, but maybe the guy in the mirror is who you should be more concerned about in this instance. It's okay to think a shot to the leg is the same as a shot to the head, but problems arise when you think you're right by thinking that.
- systemtool

Exactly. It was disgusting to me because of this. Same with the second slash. Already tied up, no need at all, nothing scott could do. As far as being against the Leafs...I have no feelings about them, only callin it as I see it.
- Jason_Lewis

NOTE: I only bring up the above incident because I couldn't find any other slashing suspensions in recent years. Nothing.

Mike Cammalleri got only 1 game for this slash to the face followed by a slash to the ankles. Much worse than what Kessel did. And that was a rare instance where a suspension was handed out. Check the NHL records, and you'll be hard pressed to find many slashing supsensions, as opposed to fines or 1 gamers.

It's sad when you take issue with Kessel getting 3 preseason games for slashing an ankle/leg, but have no problem with 3 guys who got roughly the same suspension as Kessel, but their crimes ranged from illegal hits to the head and boarding. You're trying to make the NHL seem inconsistent and off track here, but maybe the guy in the mirror is who you should be more concerned about in this instance. It's okay to think a shot to the leg is the same as a shot to the head, but problems arise when you think you're right by thinking that.
- systemtool

I didn't agree with the conduct of Cammalleri in that instance nor did I think that punishment was sufficient either. I didn't agree with it then and I don't agree with it now. You CANNOT allow players to use their sticks as a weapon. Simple as that. I'm taking issue with Kessel getting suspended for 3 PRESEASON GAMES. Which have absolutely no consequence to the season. He also didn't lose any salary. At least Cammalleri and his team lost his services for his actions and his wallet was a little lighter. At most Kessel should have been gone for 1 game...2 games regular season if you factor in that he was involved in another slashing incident the game prior. That has been my stance on it since I saw it. Punishing him for preseason games is utterly pointless.

I'm not the only one who feels this way gents. Take a look around the media. Almost everyone is saying Kessel got away with one and that his actions were pretty ridiculous all things considered.

Can you name me a severe suspension, or anything that was more than a fine or a single game suspsension...ever...for someone slashing another player below the waist? Feel free to take your time and do a thorough job. I can assure you that you wont find many.

You're here crying because a guy who slashed another player in the legs isn't getting suspended the same amount of games normally handed out to players who hit from behind (boarding) and shots to the head.

You're essentially pissing and moaning that what should normally be a routine penalty or a fine isn't being treated as one of the worst offenses in hockey.
- systemtool

Did I ever say it should be treated as the worst offense in hockey? That's hyperbole at its finest. I'm saying he should have been given a just punishment for some stupid actions between whistles. You yourself say a one game suspension/fine is the standard punishment. Kessel recieved neither. He was suspended preseason and incurred no fine. So are you going to back track on that? I agree, and have said since the start, a one-two game REGULAR SEASON suspension should have been issued.

I didn't agree with the conduct of Cammalleri in that instance nor did I think that punishment was sufficient either. I didn't agree with it then and I don't agree with it now. You CANNOT allow players to use their sticks as a weapon. Simple as that. I'm taking issue with Kessel getting suspended for 3 PRESEASON GAMES. Which have absolutely no consequence to the season. He also didn't lose any salary. At least Cammalleri and his team lost his services for his actions and his wallet was a little lighter. At most Kessel should have been gone for 1 game...2 games regular season if you factor in that he was involved in another slashing incident the game prior. That has been my stance on it since I saw it. Punishing him for preseason games is utterly pointless.

I'm not the only one who feels this way gents. Take a look around the media. Almost everyone is saying Kessel got away with one and that his actions were pretty ridiculous all things considered.
- Jason_Lewis

Cammalleri lost what he did because he went after the head with his first swing. Since Kessel went below the waist, then obviously the punishment should be lighter.

The media also agrees the suspension, or punishment if you will, was fine.

Again, you're taking issue with Kessel slashing a players legs, which happens all the time in the game, but haven't said a word that his punishment was on par with 2 illegal hits to the head and a boarding suspension. Odd.

Cammalleri lost what he did because he went after the head with his first swing. Since Kessel went below the waist, then obviously the punishment should be lighter.

The media also agrees the suspension, or punishment if you will, was fine.

Again, you're taking issue with Kessel slashing a players legs, which happens all the time in the game, but haven't said a word that his punishment was on par with 2 illegal hits to the head and a boarding suspension. Odd.
- systemtool

There is a decisive difference in a boarding penalty and what Kessel did and it is intent.

Nine times out of ten on a boarding play it's a hockey play gone wrong. A player playing over aggressive, not thinking, etc. What Kessel did was between whistles, it wasn't a hockey play. Yea it was a heat of the moment thing but this was not part of the game nor should it be standard practice by players who are put in similar situations.

Did I ever say it should be treated as the worst offense in hockey? That's hyperbole at its finest. I'm saying he should have been given a just punishment for some stupid actions between whistles.
- Jason_Lewis

You insinuated and implied it. He was given just punishment. As just as slashing infractions get. Have you found any other slashing below the waist suspensions yet? I didn't think so. Stop over reacting, really.

There is a decisive difference in a boarding penalty and what Kessel did and it is intent.

Nine times out of ten on a boarding play it's a hockey play gone wrong. A player playing over aggressive, not thinking, etc. What Kessel did was between whistles, it wasn't a hockey play. Yea it was a heat of the moment thing but this was not part of the game nor should it be standard practice by players who are put in similar situations.
- Jason_Lewis

So one is a heat of the moment thing, but the other heat of the moment thing isn't really a heat of the moment thing?

Scott jumping Kessel wasn't part of the game either. Nor should it be standard practise either. What Kessel did was wrong, but it wasn't a shot to the head or meant to cause any serious injury, nor did one occur. As wrong as intent is, there is also an additional levy from the result of an injury. The NHL has made that rather clear.

There were a plethora of infractions that happened after the play stopped. In fact, the play hadn't even really started at all and had no flow or momentum when a much bigger goon tried to fight a smaller skilled player who was no match for him.