I think the whole point is that Torres might not have to fight right after the hit, but he knows in the next couple of shifts, The big guy (who ever it may be that is the heavyweight of that team) is going to coming calling whether he wants to fight at that time or not.

All I know is that there was alot more respect in the game in the 80's and 90's because people were held accountable for their actions. Lets vicious slashes and cross checks, Player not taking liberties with star players.
I mean players like Brad Marchand face washing one of the Sedin sisters last season playoffs would never have happened to Gretzky or Yzerman etc.
- Oilspill299

And who would that be on Chicago? I don't know that there was a lot more respect either. People just think that. Every hit that Stevens did to Lindross would be illegal today. How many of Don Cherry's rockem sockem hits were legal?

And who would that be on Chicago? I don't know that there was a lot more respect either. People just think that. Every hit that Stevens did to Lindross would be illegal today. How many of Don Cherry's rockem sockem hits were legal?
- Lahey

This. Ask Primeau, Lafontaine and Kariya how respectful hockey used to be.

Yeah, have your ratings now. When Crosby's career gets ended, they won't be watching.
- Morris

I don't think it will make a difference. Sure Crosby sells merchandise and crap, but did Pittsburgh miss him financially this past year? There are other stars in the game and like when Gretzky left or Lemieux, the game will go on.

This. Ask Primeau, Lafontaine and Kariya how respectful hockey used to be.
- GuyLaDouche

The only difference is that people have a better understanding of concussions and it's making things appear worse.

I don't think it will make a difference. Sure Crosby sells merchandise and crap, but did Pittsburgh miss him financially this past year? There are other stars in the game and like when Gretzky left or Lemieux, the game will go on.
- Lahey

I was talking more so about the league's global popularity. Cheering on cheap shots will definitely come at the cost of career-enders for a number of NHL stars.

I was talking more so about the league's global popularity. Cheering on cheap shots will definitely come at the cost of career-enders for a number of NHL stars.
- Morris

Ah gotcha.

An important name change. We're a society that makes half our decisions based on brand. Don't discount that. And was Doc Emrick on VS? Or Maguire? I honestly have no idea. I try to stick to Canadian broadcasts.
- GuyLaDouche

Yes, yes, and even I default to CBC if I can, even in Buffalo.

And who would that be on Chicago? I don't know that there was a lot more respect either. People just think that. Every hit that Stevens did to Lindross would be illegal today. How many of Don Cherry's rockem sockem hits were legal?
- Lahey

I agree that the violence hasn't gotten worse per se, but I don't think that means that it must or should stay that way.

I don't think enough distinction is made in hockey to praise a devastating clean hit over a devastating dirty hit, and that sort of gets engrained in hockey culture.

I agree that the violence hasn't gotten worse per se, but I don't think that means that it must or should stay that way.

I don't think enough distinction is made in hockey to praise a devastating clean hit over a devastating dirty hit, and that sort of gets engrained in hockey culture.
- Morris

I don't think it should stay either, but it will never be gone. People want instigator gone, why do the players want it around? Probably because they are afraid of physcos like Torres just grabbing them and beating them up.

The NHLPA needs to step in and start making some changes of their own. I read on twitter all the time agents and players talking about how something needs to be done, yet they don't have an answer. I wrote Allan Walsh and other agents and commented on their twitter many times, all I said is you seem to want something done, but what exactly would you do to make it better? Never get an answer.

I like others would love to see some 20 game suspensions, but the PA needs to agree to it. Instead they will bicker at CBA negotiations about conference re-allignment.

I don't think it should stay either, but it will never be gone. People want instigator gone, why do the players want it around? Probably because they are afraid of physcos like Torres just grabbing them and beating them up.

The NHLPA needs to step in and start making some changes of their own. I read on twitter all the time agents and players talking about how something needs to be done, yet they don't have an answer. I wrote Allan Walsh and other agents and commented on their twitter many times, all I said is you seem to want something done, but what exactly would you do to make it better? Never get an answer.

I like others would love to see some 20 game suspensions, but the PA needs to agree to it. Instead they will bicker at CBA negotiations about conference re-allignment.
- Lahey

I think you've uncovered another issue that factors into this whole debate. We'd all like to see more severe punishment come down from all this, but the NHLPA is just as big of a roadblock. If the NHL levies a severe suspension, say 10 games, the NHLPA will appeal, and more often than not, they win. That's what Unions do. It's essentially what they're there for.

I don't think it should stay either, but it will never be gone. People want instigator gone, why do the players want it around? Probably because they are afraid of physcos like Torres just grabbing them and beating them up.

The NHLPA needs to step in and start making some changes of their own. I read on twitter all the time agents and players talking about how something needs to be done, yet they don't have an answer. I wrote Allan Walsh and other agents and commented on their twitter many times, all I said is you seem to want something done, but what exactly would you do to make it better? Never get an answer.

I like others would love to see some 20 game suspensions, but the PA needs to agree to it. Instead they will bicker at CBA negotiations about conference re-allignment.
- Lahey

I honestly think someone will get paralyzed or killed before they do anything major. NHL isn't terribly proactive. Far more reactionary. I mean, the Moore/Bertuzzi incident kind of rattled some cages but people have already kind of forgotten about it. Some idiots blamed Moore in the first place. Just shows the mentality that exists amongst a lot of hockey fans, and why it will take something tragic for it to change.

I think you've uncovered another issue that factors into this whole debate. We'd all like to see more severe punishment come down from all this, but the NHLPA is just as big of a roadblock. If the NHL levies a severe suspension, say 10 games, the NHLPA will appeal, and more often than not, they win. That's what Unions do. It's essentially what they're there for.
- buffalofan19

It's sad, because they will worry about a goon losing 10 games worth of salary, but then the guy that actually gets hurt is (frank)ed for life.

The thing that hurts is the union is suppose to represent both sides, in the real world it's usually employee against company. Sports world employee vs. employee. Kinda damned if you do damned if you don't.

It's sad, because they will worry about a goon losing 10 games worth of salary, but then the guy that actually gets hurt is (frank)ed for life.

The thing that hurts is the union is suppose to represent both sides, in the real world it's usually employee against company. Sports world employee vs. employee. Kinda damned if you do damned if you don't.
- Lahey

Right, but I think the mindset is that at least the injured player will still be compensated. He'll still receive his salary, and get paid on a decent insurance/disability policy even if he goes on IR. In the Union's mind, the injured player is still taken care of. The offender loses out. I'm not defending this mindset at all, just stating what I believe the line of thinking is.

I honestly think someone will get paralyzed or killed before they do anything major. NHL isn't terribly proactive. Far more reactionary. I mean, the Moore/Bertuzzi incident kind of rattled some cages but people have already kind of forgotten about it. Some idiots blamed Moore in the first place. Just shows the mentality that exists amongst a lot of hockey fans, and why it will take something tragic for it to change.
- GuyLaDouche

That's the problem, Moore did something that was viewed as dirty and was public enemy #1, then all of a sudden he is the victim. What would be the mood today if Keith hit torres into the boards from behind and Torres was paralyzed or killed?

But then again there was all sorts of comments about whether or not Crawford was going to get ran yesterday after what Shaw did. Yet I didn't hear anything about the NHL stepping in and placing a warning. Heck even tonight in Philly, did Shanny or Bettman warn the teams to smarten the (frank) up?

Right, but I think the mindset is that at least the injured player will still be compensated. He'll still receive his salary, and get paid on a decent insurance/disability policy even if he goes on IR. In the Union's mind, the injured player is still taken care of. The offender loses out. I'm not defending this mindset at all, just stating what I believe the line of thinking is.
- buffalofan19

Hypothetically, hossa is a ufa after this season what would he get?

That's the problem, Moore did something that was viewed as dirty and was public enemy #1, then all of a sudden he is the victim. What would be the mood today if Keith hit torres into the boards from behind and Torres was paralyzed or killed?

But then again there was all sorts of comments about whether or not Crawford was going to get ran yesterday after what Shaw did. Yet I didn't hear anything about the NHL stepping in and placing a warning. Heck even tonight in Philly, did Shanny or Bettman warn the teams to smarten the (frank) up?
- Lahey

It is pretty odd, which leads me to believe that, although they're not stating it, the NHL is actually okay with all this because it makes for "good TV". Like was said earlier, it will eventually get old, and the novelty will wear off, but the NHL has never exhibited that kind of foresight. There's no reason to think they'll start now.

Hypothetically, hossa is a ufa after this season what would he get?
- Lahey

I don't know. I have no idea if there is an insurance/disability policy that extends beyond the life of the player's contract, or if the Union even thinks that far ahead.

I don't know. I have no idea if there is an insurance/disability policy that extends beyond the life of the player's contract, or if the Union even thinks that far ahead.
- buffalofan19

Not that Hossa would have something to worry about, but I guess in Moore's case it is a big deal.

Not that Hossa would have something to worry about, but I guess in Moore's case it is a big deal.
- Lahey

Kind of why he brought a lawsuit.

Yeah, have your ratings now. When Crosby's career gets ended, they won't be watching.
- Morris

This or the series is over after tonight and there is no other series that comes close to the intensity and entertainment... Maybe a Boston and Philly series has that potential... although Philly would be the only team penalized so it likely will just piss many fans off...

Yes, yes, and even I default to CBC if I can, even in Buffalo.
- buffalofan19

CBC broadcasters suck ass... I hate watching them... Their panel blows... etc... only entertainment they have is Cherry and PJ Stock -cause he is dumb and a large douchebag...

This or the series is over after tonight and there is no other series that comes close to the intensity and entertainment... Maybe a Boston and Philly series has that potential... although Philly would be the only team penalized so it likely will just piss many fans off...
- OIH8U2

Frankly I've enjoyed Boston Washington more...it's embarrassing to watch Pittsburgh try to play a Philly game - no one does it like Philly, and they keep getting exposed. I suppose the high scoring is cool though. Something to get used to when the Oilers make the playoffs with most goals for AND against

Frankly I've enjoyed Boston Washington more...it's embarrassing to watch Pittsburgh try to play a Philly game - no one does it like Philly, and they keep getting exposed. I suppose the high scoring is cool though. Something to get used to when the Oilers make the playoffs with most goals for AND against
- Morris

You are completely right... we will be having many of those kind of games just hope we get a hartnell type that can be put into the top 6 every now and again to keep the other teams honest either that or the kids gain 20-30lbs... lol... Did anyone watch the Hall interview about Yakupov the other day?

Frankly I've enjoyed Boston Washington more...it's embarrassing to watch Pittsburgh try to play a Philly game - no one does it like Philly, and they keep getting exposed. I suppose the high scoring is cool though. Something to get used to when the Oilers make the playoffs with most goals for AND against
- Morris

It's odd I thought STL-SJ would suck, watched game one and loved the intensity. Didn't want to watch NJ-FLA, but was forced to yesterday helluva game. As a fan i can't really ask for more.

CBC broadcasters suck ass... I hate watching them... Their panel blows... etc... only entertainment they have is Cherry and PJ Stock -cause he is dumb and a large douchebag...
- OIH8U2

You know, I think it's a case of familiarity breeding contempt. I started watching CBC because I got tired of NBC's broadcasts. I don't hate NBC, but still, I liked the different view. Plus, CBC's in game presentation is better, or at least it was until NBC greatly updated it after the New Year. It also sounds like CBC's drastic budget cuts are affecting the product as well.