Steven Hindle: ShanaHammer Hits Backstrom with 1 Game Suspension - ShanaHammer Hits Backstrom with 1 Game Suspension

Gonna hurt, but probably deserved.

... and I got Washington guys, including Backstrom, in my pool

Steven Hindle: ShanaHammer Hits Backstrom with 1 Game Suspension
- ShanaHammer Hits Backstrom with 1 Game Suspension
- Sven_119H

I think one reason it was upheld was because it was a match penalty at the end of the game called by the refs. If it happened before then Shannahan might have only fined him because he's not a repeat offenender. BTW Marchand deserves a fine for his diving antics and I hope he doesn't do it anymore.
The Shea Weber still thing blows my mind every time someone else gets a suspension now.

Steven Hindle: ShanaHammer Hits Backstrom with 1 Game Suspension
- ShanaHammer Hits Backstrom with 1 Game Suspension
- Sven_119H

shanahan didn't issue this, backstrom was stupid enough to take a match penalty with less than a minute left. Auto 1 game ban.

I think one reason it was upheld was because it was a match penalty at the end of the game called by the refs. If it happened before then Shannahan might have only fined him because he's not a repeat offenender. BTW Marchand deserves a fine for his diving antics and I hope he doesn't do it anymore.
The Shea Weber still thing blows my mind every time someone else gets a suspension now.
- GSDIV

I will agree with that. On Marchand: I used to respect the hell out of him. He's the perfect blend of talent, passion, and agitation. However, the diving is non sense. There's no need for him to start acting like Kesler and Lapierre out in VAN.

It's been a great series so far. I just hope the Caps will be able to cope well with the loss of Backstrom for Game 4.

we beat the B's without 8/52/19 before, we can do it with 2/3's of em.

... i fail to see how this is worst than what weber did

every suspension will be compared to that massive failure of a suspension

I think the suspension was issued because the match penalty was called and the outcry of the Weber fine. Even if Shanahan thought that Backstrom was protecting himself and faced plenty of headshots to warrant his overreaction to protect himself, he hands were tied and he was forced to follow through with a suspension rather than a fine. Headshots and high hits are too common in the game and need to be eliminated. Sadly, the players seemed to lose respect for each other and the game.

Additionally, the suspension supports the refs given that the match penalty was called on the ice. This support is necessary because the ref's control might be the only effective way that the league may gain better control over this garbage. Refs need to call a tighter game as the players are leaving them with no other choice.

NHL has US national audience by the fact that all of the games are being televised on a NBC network and could make great strides in advancing the sport, however they are left with this garbage. Eight players to be suspended before the half way point in the first set of series (when there easily could be more) is ridiculous.

No issue with the 1 game -- just the same problem that others have mentioned, the Weber oversight and the lack of consistency.

Can anyone explain why Keith Aucoin is starting in this series ? Nothing against him personally, but he can't compete physically with Boston (maybe he's a defensive dynamo and I'm just not seeing it). It's really surprising to not see Knuble in the lineup -- he might be close to retirement, but he at least has a history of finding the back of the net at the NHL level.

Can anyone explain why Keith Aucoin is starting in this series ? Nothing against him personally, but he can't compete physically with Boston (maybe he's a defensive dynamo and I'm just not seeing it). It's really surprising to not see Knuble in the lineup -- he might be close to retirement, but he at least has a history of finding the back of the net at the NHL level.
- MadCap2008

I think Hunter likes his speed, but he is easily pushed around and has trouble fighting for the puck. I would like to see Knuble in as well, but I guess Halpren gets the nod for his faceoff abilities.

I think Hunter likes his speed, but he is easily pushed around and has trouble fighting for the puck. I would like to see Knuble in as well, but I guess Halpren gets the nod for his faceoff abilities.
- PACaps08

I read on PHT that Knuble is reportedly going to play. I would just let Beagle take every face-off! On the Bruins broadcast they showed the face-off comparison and everyone except for Bergeron is being absolutely smoked.

I think Hunter likes his speed, but he is easily pushed around and has trouble fighting for the puck. I would like to see Knuble in as well, but I guess Halpren gets the nod for his faceoff abilities.
- PACaps08

Yeah, I think you are right about the speed issue.

shanahan didn't issue this, backstrom was stupid enough to take a match penalty with less than a minute left. Auto 1 game ban.
- tomburton99

From what I understand, they could have reversed the match penalty/1 game ban.

I read on PHT that Knuble is reportedly going to play. I would just let Beagle take every face-off! On the Bruins broadcast they showed the face-off comparison and everyone except for Bergeron is being absolutely smoked.
- GSDIV

Hope that's accurate. I'm not thinking he is going to be a savior or anything, but it's another big body to forecheck and to plant himself in front of Thomas.

Hope that's accurate. I'm not thinking he is going to be a savior or anything, but it's another big body to forecheck and to plant himself in front of Thomas.
- MadCap2008

He should definately add some energy and be hungry to play.