Paul Stewart: McCloud, Lapierre and Why I Hate the Instigator Rule

Fantastic blog Paul and I couldn't agree more about the rule. Really enjoyed your first couple blogs.

Paul Stewart: McCloud, Lapierre and Why I Hate the Instigator Rule
- Paul Stewart

Excellent blog Paul......... great addition you are to the Hockey Buzz website

Fantastic blog Paul and I couldn't agree more about the rule. Really enjoyed your first couple blogs.
- canadianpenfan

They're good. Hopefuly Brad Marsh's are as good.

That was an excellent read, sir.

Thank you!

It would be so awesome to sit and have a case of beers and just hear a fraction of the stories you've got to tell, Paul! You've said a lot of the things that I've been saying for years and you set the record straight on some misperceptions (Bettman not starting the instigator). But this line is something that I wish the suits would realize and stop trying to change the game to achieve:
"The sport has spent so much time, effort and money trying to win over the segments of the public and the media who NEVER liked, understood or cared about the game and never will."

Truer words have never been spoken.

Outstanding!

One of the best written and explained blogs ono here in a long time.

That was a really interesting read. Looking forward to more, Mr. Stewart.

Great blog Paul. I definitely agree that the instigator rule does not act as a deterrent, but I do believe the rule should exist in some form. But I think that the definition of instigating should be changed to something like "Clearly initiating a fight, FOR NO APPARENT REASON."

In this case I would argue that Desjardins didn't 'instigate' the fight because it was in response to a dirty hit. When a player jumps another player for no reason that would be instigating. Or even after a clean hit...I would consider that instigating, but this situation would be subjective and would be hard to call consistently.

Outstanding blog, Stewie! I only wish the "powers that be" understood this issue as well as you and most of us do.

Question: A segment of the hockey world believes that the instigator rule has not only failed as a deterrent but has actually resulted in increased headshots, hits from behind, etc. Do you agree with this or is this increase an overall NHL trend where the respect for opposing players just isn't there any longer? I'd love your take.

Paul Stewart: McCloud, Lapierre and Why I Hate the Instigator Rule
- Paul Stewart

Masterful!!!

You could probably sell a book with all the stories you have. I would buy it. Of course you would piss off a lot of people

Keep em' coming.

Great blog. Looking forward to more.

Outstanding blog, Stewie! I only wish the "powers that be" understood this issue as well as you and most of us do.

Question: A segment of the hockey world believes that the instigator rule has not only failed as a deterrent but has actually resulted in increased headshots, hits from behind, etc. Do you agree with this or is this increase an overall NHL trend where the respect for opposing players just isn't there any longer? I'd love your take.
- BOSS_TWEED

Going to talk about the loss of the respect factor -- and it really did once exist -- in a future blog as a matter of fact.

Masterful!!!

You could probably sell a book with all the stories you have. I would buy it. Of course you would piss off a lot of people

Keep em' coming.
- l3ig_l2ecl

I am working now on my autobiography.

Outstanding blog, Stewie! I only wish the "powers that be" understood this issue as well as you and most of us do.

Question: A segment of the hockey world believes that the instigator rule has not only failed as a deterrent but has actually resulted in increased headshots, hits from behind, etc. Do you agree with this or is this increase an overall NHL trend where the respect for opposing players just isn't there any longer? I'd love your take.
- BOSS_TWEED

Instigator isn't leaving because of legal reasons. Once something like this is implemented in sports you don't take it away. I hate it, but given how the legal system works the NHL isn't taking away the instigator only to get sued a month later because someone got hurt and it was because someone grabbed a player and started working him.

Great job Stew . Best addition to this site yet .

Great and fun to read !

One of the best written and explained blogs ono here in a long time.
- BernieKorch

What a great blog! Thanks Paul! Always nice to read or here from those who actually know from experience, instead of pontificating their uniformed rhetoric!!

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Look forward to future posts!

One of the best written and explained blogs ono here in a long time.
- BernieKorch

Awesome stuff, Paul!!! Thanks so much for providing that insight, and I look forward to more of your work!!

Thanks!!!

Great stuff Paul. Good to see you hear, adding a different perspective.

Paul Stewart: McCloud, Lapierre and Why I Hate the Instigator Rule
- Paul Stewart

I also have to add that this is a great addition. Thanks so much for your insight!

STEWIE !!!!