Hey, Bogie - a good enough game 7 for ya?
- StLBravesFan

this one has been better than the last 2...will be even better if the bolts can rally and win this..BUT pens are like 46-0 when leading going into the 3rd...

at the moment the pens are overwhelming the bolts

OK, AFAWK, last time Kane did anything illegal, and not just douche-y, was in 2009 when he was 20.
- pdx2ord

Based on everything published and said (in several interviews) by the DA, it seems he was the subject of a false accusation last summer.

(If she files a civil suit before the statute runs out in August, I may form a different opinion.) Wrong place, wrong time, wrong person, combined with too much alcohol. Maybe stupid (since he should have realized what a target he is), but nothing that people and other athletes aren't doing every hour of every day.

You have no idea what percentage chance of recidivism he has. I personally know many, many people (including myself) who behaved very differently in their late teens and 20's than they do late in 20's and after 30 (he is going to be 28). And, the vast majority of us didn't even have any "scared straight" incidents to steer us another direction. Less likely, IMO, that he does something again than another player who has never been publicly flayed.

Per social media, it appears that he has stayed in Chicago so far this summer, playing in a charity golf tourney the last few days. Smart decision not to go back to Buffalo, IMO. And, the social media environment being what it is these days, IF he were still carousing at the clubs and being a drunk, douche-y a-- as he has been in the past, it would be out there. Formal, published accounts are that he is not drinking, sticking close to home, and spending most of his time with his girlfriend. Just PR? Maybe, maybe not. But there are some indications of "reform."

But, as Enzo said, thinking like a business, he is too much of a moneymaker and NHL/fan favorite (not to mention, it seems his teammates love him) for the Hawks to send him packing for his "strikes."

That's not entirely true - on all points.

Something did happen that night - and Kane was involved.

From someone close to the investigation: The accuser did not appear to be "the sharpest" tool in the box. While something unsolicited did occur, the investigators got the impression that she was looking for a quick payoff, and when Kane's attorney did not blink, and her counsel and the police told her what was in store for her should it go to trial, she was not so enthusiastic going forward with the case.

The D.A. himself told how difficult it became to get her in to go over what happened that night - that there were "scheduling issues" with her. That did not sound like a woman that was so badly wronged.

Was it poor judgement for Kane to bring a drunk hose bag back to his house - ABSOLUTELY. Was it criminal - only the accuser and Kane know for sure. But one thing is certain, if this situation did not wake him up, then nothing will.

I have plenty to say about Wakey Wakey:

He is a classless d-bag. And I hope one day he takes another hit like the one Seabrook gave him, and that's the last we see of him in the NHL.

And for all the whining Blues fans that would not like this statement - just remember - in this life you get what you give.
- dahawks8819

What does this day about you then? Talking like this?

His primary contribution on the ice is taking runs at the opposing players with an intent to injure. For that reason, I have no sympathy for the Blues, Hitchcock, or Backes. Let us all hope that Backes signs in the Eastern Conference so he is not running around trying to injure Toews+Co. 5 times a season.
- EnzoD

That is my surprised face. I didn't realize you hated them that much...

That is my surprised face. I didn't realize you hated them that much...
- carcus

I have an intense dislike for Hitch, Backes, Reaves, Ott +Brodziak (and Jackman for a long time). I like Parayko, Tarasenko, Pietrangelo, Boumeester, Fabbri +Steen. It's a rivalry dude. I wouldnt expect you to react any differently to the Hawks losing. If you do like seeing the Hawks win, more power to you. I am a die-hard Hawks fan and the Blues are their biggest rival. As such, I will always root for St. Louis to lose....unless them winning somehow helps the Hawks in the regular season standings. Thats just how I operate, right or wrong.

EDIT: Do you disagree that Backes', Reaves, Ott +company's main goal when on the ice is to inflict pain/injury o the opposing team's top players??

I have an intense dislike for Hitch, Backes, Reaves, Ott +Brodziak (and Jackman for a long time). I like Parayko, Tarasenko, Pietrangelo, Boumeester +Steen. It's a rivalry dude, I wouldnt expect you to react any differently to the Hawks losing. If you do like seeing the Hawks win, more power to you. I am a die-hard Hawks fan and the Blues are their biggest rival. As such, I will always root for St. Louis to lose....unless them winning somehow helps the Hawks in the regular season standings. Thats just how I operate, right or wrong.
- EnzoD

yep its called being fan....

I have an intense dislike for Hitch, Backes, Reaves, Ott +Brodziak (and Jackman for a long time). I like Parayko, Tarasenko, Pietrangelo, Boumeester, Fabbri +Steen. It's a rivalry dude. I wouldnt expect you to react any differently to the Hawks losing. If you do like seeing the Hawks win, more power to you. I am a die-hard Hawks fan and the Blues are their biggest rival. As such, I will always root for St. Louis to lose....unless them winning somehow helps the Hawks in the regular season standings. Thats just how I operate, right or wrong.

EDIT: Do you disagree that Backes', Reaves, Ott +company's main goal when on the ice is to inflict pain/injury o the opposing team's top players??
- EnzoD

It would be hard to disagree with this idea. Include Brouwer in this, too.

That's not entirely true - on all points.

Something did happen that night - and Kane was involved.

From someone close to the investigation: The accuser did not appear to be "the sharpest" tool in the box. While something unsolicited did occur, the investigators got the impression that she was looking for a quick payoff, and when Kane's attorney did not blink, and her counsel and the police told her what was in store for her should it go to trial, she was not so enthusiastic going forward with the case.

The D.A. himself told how difficult it became to get her in to go over what happened that night - that there were "scheduling issues" with her. That did not sound like a woman that was so badly wronged.

Was it poor judgement for Kane to bring a drunk hose bag back to his house - ABSOLUTELY. Was it criminal - only the accuser and Kane know for sure. But one thing is certain, if this situation did not wake him up, then nothing will.
- dahawks8819

From what I have heard from people who know how the politics in this type of case work... The DA had a very easy out if there was any evidence he could hang his hat on and that was to send the case to a Grand Jury.
For that not to happen with such a high profile case it's difficult for me to conclude Kane did anything illegal that night.

From what I have heard from people who know how the politics in this type of case work... The DA had a very easy out if there was any evidence he could hang his hat on and that was to send the case to a Grand Jury.
For that not to happen with such a high profile case it's difficult for me to conclude Kane did anything illegal that night.
- Al

Al is the voice of reason here....If Kane is traded, I will literally cry.

great 3rd period here....man the kid goalies have been great...to bad that "cheapie" 2nd goal on vasilesky...bolts really need a bounce and a break...pens have taken it to them most of this game

God I wish Hedman was a Hawk. That move he made from bolts' zone up and around and that centering pass was pretty.

great 3rd period here....man the kid goalies have been great...to bad that "cheapie" 2nd goal on vasilesky...bolts really need a bounce and a break...pens have taken it to them most of this game
- bogiedoc

Penguins have been the better team, no doubt, but man that was a soft soft soft goal by Vasilevski....

God I wish Hedman was a Hawk
- maria_wyeth

Hawks were too busy losing to Detroit in the Conference Finals when Hedman was drafted 2nd overall in 2009....but yes, he is a beast.

It's been pretty clear that the Pens are a much better team when it comes to skating. Especially without the puck, the feet are always moving.

great 3rd period here....man the kid goalies have been great...to bad that "cheapie" 2nd goal on vasilesky...bolts really need a bounce and a break...pens have taken it to them most of this game
- bogiedoc

For the last 5-7 minutes, the Pens did a terrific job of keeping the puck away from Murray - TB could not put much pressure on the net.

Yes - actually - almost the whole game.

Absolutely disgusting that Pitt will be in the Finals.

Sharks over Pens in 6.

Thats a brutal way to lose. Yes, Penguins were the better team, but that was an atrocious goal by Vasilevski. Go Sharks

Absolutely disgusting that Pitt will be in the Finals.
- powerenforcer

Agreed. I will projectile vomit if I have to watch Cindy Crosbaby raise Lord Stanley's Cup.

Absolutely disgusting that Pitt will be in the Finals.
- powerenforcer

I'm disappointed, but at least I'll have someone to root against in the Final.

Let's go Sha-arks!

Sharks over Pens in 6.
- DMChi2010

I'm so curious to see what's gonna end up happening with Stamkos

Good of coach Cooper to put Stamkos in the Bolts sweater for one last game.

Speaking of coach Cooper, didn't he say last year that he was trying to follow his plan from all the other levels of coaching, where he "Learns the first year and wins it all the second year." Ummmm..... yeah... It's year three now, Cooper!!! Dose of humility, maybe?

Agreed. I will projectile vomit if I have to watch Cindy Crosbaby raise Lord Stanley's Cup.
- EnzoD

He's not untalented. David Backes is untalented. Crosby winning would be the lesser of two evils.

For the last 5-7 minutes, the Pens did a terrific job of keeping the puck away from Murray - TB could not put much pressure on the net.

Yes - actually - almost the whole game.
- StLBravesFan

pens are going to be a load for the sharks...but i have my pavelski jersy on