Does Former Gopher Goon Stu Bickel have a Chance of Making the Wild

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If former Minnesota Gopher Goon Stu Bickel is going to make the Minnesota Wild out of training camp, it’s going to be as a fourth line punching bag.  You're probably wondering why I say punching bag? Bickel isn't a very good fighter, and he's definitely not a feared heavy weight. But he would fill a roll that the Wild need.

Chad Graff, Pioneer Press -- Bickel, who has played about one-third of his games in the NHL at forward, is hoping to show the kind of versatility that could earn him a spot on the roster.

Bickel, a 27-year-old former Gopher from Chanhassen, continues to climb up the depth chart in training camp. If he shows he can play forward Thursday night, it'll be another step in making the Wild out of camp.

"The more versatile a player is, the more opportunity is there for him," coach Mike Yeo said.

Bickel got into two fights during the Wild's 2-1 exhibition loss in Winnipeg on Monday, and he would add physicality and grit that the Wild lack without him.

He played 67 games with the New York Rangers in 2011-12 and 2012-13 -- and got into 28 fights.

Bickel has played in 67 NHL games and has scored an paltry (0g-9a—9pts), but has racked up an impressive 157 minutes in penalties. If Bickel makes the Wild out of training camp, it will not be for his offensive skills, which he obviously lacks.

If Wild decide that Bickel is going to be their designated punching bag, then he has a chance to play a few games with the Wild this season. Meh. Currently, the Minnesota Wild have no "real" punching bag/goon. So far in the preseason, the Wild have been in three fights. Bickel has been in two of those fights, Wild forward Jason Zucker was fought Simon Despres and didn’t fare so well. That being said, Zucker isn’t a pugilist and his job is to generate offense and score goals.

NHL Hockey; Leave Fighting alone for the sake of the game

They say that those that cover hockey, in most cases never actually played the game of hockey. Before you jump on me, hear me out… I mean seriously, every time I see one of these articles that question fighting’s role in the NHL and or in professional hockey, it sends up a big flag.

I ask you to think about it this way. I am sure you can picture a player from around the NHL from your least favorite team that has no honor, these are the Ulf Samuelssons, Matt Cookes, Raffi Tores and Patrick Kaleta’s or whoever, I am sure that you have one in mind, but you know the type of players that I am talking about, they're the type of players that I would like to see taken out of the game of hockey long before fighting was ever banned.

These are the players that when they get hit with a big check you feel no empathy for them what-so-ever as they lay on the ice writhing in pain. When Evander Kane knocked out Matt Cooke I stood in my living room cheering, actually chugged a beer in celebration, ex-post facto.

Imagine these clowns, skating around the ice unchecked to wreaking havoc on NHL players and star players without the fear of ever having to answer the bell for a dirty hit. They would be able to do their trade without the fear of retribution. That sets a bad precedence.

Chris Johnston, Sportsnet --- The message was clear: Let the debate happen elsewhere.

“I think you really have to understand the game and kind of understand the (dressing) room to know what it’s like to be on a bench when a guy fights,” Bruins forward Brad Marchand said before the 4-2 victory over Toronto. “For fans that think that fighting has no part of the game, they don’t really know what they’re talking about.”

And that was that.

Marchand’s comments were consistent with the general line of thinking that can be found among both of these teams. They also highlight a pretty glaring paradox that exists within the sport.

Even though the fighting debate is always just one incident away from flaring up for fans and members of the media, the majority of players seem reluctant to even chew on the topic for a minute or two. They simply accept it — the good, the bad and (occasionally) the ugly.

I have seen all of the arguments for banning fighting from hockey and you can’t count on the refs and the department of player’s safety catch all of the offenders and in many cases they let the offenders go with little if any punishment.

Canucks GM Mike Gillis is whining again.

Rose Bud Mag

Wow!!! In a way I am kind of sad that the Boston Bruins don’t get to play the Vancouver Canucks more.

That being said, I think it’s funny that Mike Gillis has the gall to say this when his teams has on it’s roster some of the biggest Rats hacks in the NHL; Alex Burrows aka Count Dracula, Maxim Lapierre who spends all game running his mouth on the ice until he is called out and then he “usually” turtles and won’t fight. Yesterday his fight with Greg Campbell was an enigma.

You have no moral ground to stand on anymore Mike. That ship has sailed, last summer after the hockey world saw your team's bag of tricks. There is so much material evidence and so little time. I am sure you called for Keith Ballard's suspension when he low bridged Jamie McGinn during the Stanley Cup playoffs. That is is far more violent than the one in question.

When the Vancouver Canucks defenceman was low-bridged by Brad Marchand late in the second period on Saturday, the Boston Bruins winger was assessed a clipping major and game misconduct and could face further supplemental discipline from NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan because it’s a hit the league is trying to eliminate.

[Marchand]“A dirty play by a dirty player,” said Gillis.

Salo went head over heels on the play and landed awkwardly and may have suffered a whiplash effect when his neck was stretched. He threw his stick aside in disgust as he exited the ice for good reason. The big Finn was having a solid season and arguably the most consistent blueliner for the Canucks. Having suffered 40 career injuries, Salo set up the opening goal Saturday in a big 4-3 win over the Bruins and has 16 points (7-9) in 37 games after agreeing to return this season on a one-year deal for a bargain $2 million to take another serious run at a Stanley Cup. He has never won a major championship outside the club level in Europe.

Bruins coach Claude Julien didn’t exactly let his player off the hook when asked if Marchand went too far with the hit and crossed a line. [The Providence]

Again like I said last summer, the Canucks are a bunch of cry babies, and they don’t like it when they are called out for their on ice antics. I guess they also forget that Alex Burrows hit Daniel Paille, then hits Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton in the throat with his stick, starting a line brawl, of course he won’t drop the gloves and fight Thornton. How did the Canucks expect the Boston Bruins to respond to Burrow's act of stupidity?  And then this gem from Kevin Bieksa, the guy that loves to beat up other teams skilled players that don't fight, then will turn around and avoid fights the tough guys who fight when he is asked, had this to say.

Bieksa on Brad Marchand's big hit: "We play hard, but we are a disciplined team. That’s what separates us from them. They obviously play hard, but they tend to do stupid things. The Marchand hit was a pretty stupid thing and I’m sure he’ll be getting a phone call for that one. There is no reason for that."

I wonder if the Canucks fans remember this hit or not. Is this not the  same as the Marchand hit? Here is the link to the video of that hit. [Click to view]

This is what Claude Julien had to say on the hit in question, when I saw the hit for the first time that is the first thing that comes to mind is that Marchand was trying to duck under a hit from Salo. My next question is; is a player required to let his opponent hit him? Shouldn't we want a player be allowed to duck under a hit and avoid contact if they want to? The size difference between the two players is pretty significant.

Matt Kalman, The Bruins Blog --- “We all have our opinions on what is going on with the game and the hits and everything else. All I’m going to tell you is that I always told my players that they need to protect themselves,” said Julien. “The last thing I want my players to do is get hit and then end up with a concussion, and they have to protect themselves. Whether it’s the right way or the wrong way, it’ll depend on how the league looks at it. I’d rather have a guy take a two-minute penalty than turn his back to the play, stand up straight, and then get his face knocked into the glass and be out for maybe the rest of the year with a concussion, or maybe end his career like [Marc] Savard.

Lastly, I expect that Marchand will get some form of punishment from the Brendan Shanahan based on the whining and complaining coming out of the Canucks front office. Like I mentioned before, there is more than enough video evidence to prove the Vancouver Canucks don't hold the moral high ground.Check out this hit by Mason Raymond on Brad Marchand. [Click to view]


The Classiest comment that I read today was from the Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault

Slovak Hack Martin Marincin's dirty hit on Team USA's Jason Zucker

I dare someone to defend the play of Slovak defenseman Martin Marincin... There is no excuse for this kind of play in the WJC or in level of hockey. Personally, I thought that the Slovak WJC team played very dirty hockey from the drop of the first puck till the end of the game the Slovak defenseman Martin Marincin should be suspended for the rest of the tourney for this bush league hit. The Slovak hockey team is lucky that fighting isn't allowed in the WJC.

Canucks' Goon Rypien suspended six games

I think that Canucks Hack/Goon Rick Rypien is getting off lightly for his classless act that took place this past week. There is no reason to try to attack a fan that is sitting in the stands. If I had been the NHL commissioner I would have thrown the book at this moron. I think anything less than 10 games is a travesty. Apparently, James Engquist the victim of the assault isn't all that please with the ruling.

NEW YORK -- Vancouver forward Rick Rypien was suspended for six games by the NHL on Friday, punishment for his altercation with a fan during Tuesday's game in Minnesota.

Including the game already served while Friday's hearing was pending, Rypien will be eligible to return to play Nov. 6 against Detroit. The Canucks also were fined $25,000, as required by League policy.

"Prior to each season, all clubs and players are advised that under no circumstances are club personnel permitted to have physical contact with fans, or enter, or attempt to enter the stands," Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We hold NHL players to a high standard, and there simply is no excuse for conduct of this nature. Fortunately, this incident is not typical of the way NHL players conduct themselves and is not typical of the way Mr. Rypien had conducted himself during his career."

Rypien made contact with the fan as he was heading down the tunnel to the dressing room at the Xcel Energy Center after drawing a double-minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct for an altercation with Minnesota's Brad Staubitz at the 13:38 mark of the second period of an eventual 6-2 loss. As he left the playing bench, Rypien reached up and pushed a spectator who was applauding at the railing separating the stands from the tunnel.

The suspension was announced Friday afternoon after Rypien attended an in-person hearing at the League offices in New York City; a meeting attended by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell.

Carlo Colaiacovo is guttless hack.

Props to elise of 18568 Reasons Why for not having to looking for this video over on YouTube.

When I was watching this game last night, I became infuriated after watching that Punk Colaiacovo hitting a guy in head while he laid on top of him after he has laid you out with a clean check. That folks is a gutless move, total class. The Wild bench should have sent the Boogeyman out the challenge Colaiacovo. I have agree with the Wild announcers that should have been more than a 2 minute penalty. I actually think it should have been a "match penalty".

I am sick and tired of the gutless agitators skating around the ice taking liberties on opposition players. None of these guys want to fight they just want to lay people out the questionable hits and cheap shot.

Sean Avery's day at the office

I found a few interesting stores on Rangers thug/though guy Sean Avery over on The Rangers Report. First off everything in this article makes me ask is this a hockey player or a fashion model want a be? Also, I must add it's like traffic accident you know you shouldn't look but you do anyways.

Until there is more definitive news on Sean Avery’s hockey career—he does still play hockey, doesn’t he?—or unless he lacerates his spleen again, is linked to more call girls, or becomes engaged to one of the Bush sisters, this will be my last Sean Avery post for some time.

But for those of you who can’t get enough Avery, and that would seem to include Sean Avery himself, (check out this video)

What did I learn from the video? It does appear that Sean Avery has recovered from the spleen injury. I also found out that I actually have something in common with Sean Avery; I have the same pair of the Adidas Bounce shoes that Avery does. I might add that after six and a half months they are already starting to fall apart.
Men's Vogue picture
It would appear that Sean Avery is a fashion designer trapped in hockey goon's body. I mean check out this post:

I don't watch sports. I don't read about sports. Generally, other than spending a lot of time in dressing rooms both at home and on the road, I don't hang out with other athletes. Over breakfast in hotels when the Rangers are on the road, I read the Style section in The New York Times. Some people question whether I'm straight; others give me compliments. Some women find it a turn-on. My teammates are very supportive and cool about my interest in fashion — sometimes they even ask for my advice on what to wear. But I'd be lying to you if I said that I don't take some verbal abuse from opposing players for the clothes I wear, or for my interest in something — "fashion" — that I think sounds a little frightening to narrow-minded blockheads. I also realize that this isn't necessarily their fault — they think it's what they're supposed to think.

Earlier this year — just before the playoffs, actually — I wrote to the editor in chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, and expressed my desire to intern for the magazine once my team won the Stanley Cup. After just a couple of days I got the answer I was looking for.

But first, of course, the playoffs: The Rangers had a great first round against the Devils in mid-April. (I caused my usual controversy with what I thought was an innovative technique to distract the Devils' goalie, Martin Brodeur; apparently the NHL thought this was too innovative, and created a new rule to prevent players from blocking or interfering with a goalie — some call it the "Sean Avery Rule" — to make sure it never happens again.) In the second round we played a strong Pittsburgh Penguins team. In the first period of the third game of the series, I lacerated my spleen. I finished the game, but pretty soon internal bleeding and a few other bad things led to a rough week. The Rangers lost the series against the Penguins, and all of a sudden I had some time off. This is where the fun starts.

Is Sean Avery a Jerk?

I think this is a interesting article that I found on line. I also found a clip on this incident as well. This is the type of guy that Sean Avery is. Honestly, this guy is a piece of work, first he about start a brawl in the warm up attacking Darcy Tucker and insulting Jason Blake. What a class act. Here is what Sean Averyhad to say, this is some classic stuff. With friends like Avery you don't need enemies.

“I never enjoy playing in Toronto really,” Avery said after the Rangers practiced Thursday in preparation for Saturday’s game against the Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Center. “Why? I don’t enjoy hockey-obsessed Canadians. The exchange rate is not very good right now. And it’s going to cost me a lot of money for tickets for people I don’t even like. How’s that for a list?”

Avery laughed, but he was serious about most of his list. Maple Leafs fans are sure to share his animosity. The last time the Rangers visited Toronto, in mid-November, Avery started yelling at one of his favorite targets, forward Darcy Tucker, during warm-ups, when no officials were on the ice. The trash-talking nearly set off a brawl — for which Avery, Tucker and both teams were fined. Speculation later circulated that Avery had started the altercation by making a derogatory remark about Toronto forward Jason Blake’s bout with cancer.

Avery denied it. Blake said he did not hear Avery say anything about cancer. And when those rumors made it into a radio broadcast and several newspapers, Avery said he was suing the radio reporter, Howard Berger, and the station FAN 590, for libel. The station retracted the report, but Avery said the papers for the lawsuit were served this week.

“I’m sure they’ll be fired up,” Avery said. “I’m just planning to play the same game I always do. I don’t think I’ll do anything different. I feel like I’ve got my legs back, and I’m just going to go in there and play a Sean Avery-type game.”

That game usually involves mayhem. In Wednesday night’s 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, he fought with forward Andrew Ladd despite being held back by an official.

Steve Downie will not be suspended for Suckering Blake

I think that Steve Downie is becoming one of the biggest hacks in the NHL. The kid has played a grand total of four games in the NHL and has already been suspened for 25 games. This is the same clown that beat up his own team mate in the OHL Check out the video of this incident; there is no doubt in my mind that Steve Downie sucker punched Jason Blake. If Steve Downie had sucker punched Sidney Crosby it would have been a 5-10 game suspension for his gutless act.

PHILADELPHIA - Steve Downie has received a stern talking to from the league and his coach but the Philadelphia Flyers forward will not be suspended for sucker-punching Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake.

Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he and Downie spoke to NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell after the incident in Philadelphia's 3-2 win at the Air Canada Centre last Saturday night.

"We had a conversation with Mr. Campbell and that's it. The rest will be between the league, the Flyers and Steve," Holmgren told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "It was a good talk.

"It's Steve's (fourth) NHL game. He's walking a fine line there, which is basically what he was told. My conversation with Steve was a little harsher than Colin Campbell's."

Downie, who scored his first NHL goal in the game, punched Blake in the face while the veteran forward was being held by a linesman. Downie's double minor came in the third period and the Leafs scored on the power play to get back in the game.

"I took a penalty that hurt the team and I can't do that," Downie told the Inquirer, admitting he has again been put on notice by the league. "There's a fine line you've got to follow and I crossed it again. I got to learn."

Downie was suspended for 20 games earlier this season after a pre-season hit on Dean McAmmond in Ottawa. Blake's eye was swollen after the punch but he was not expected to miss any action.

Pens and Flyers last night.

This is one of the best fights that I have seen this year. Of course there is another act of thuggery perpetrated by a Philadelphia Flyer's hack. Watch Ben Eager hit Penguins tough guy George Laraque with a high dirty elbow, this leads to big George punching Eagers, while he is down on the ice, obvious penalty, however, when there is no penalty for Eager, Gary Roberts steps up takes things into his own hands and shows some leadership. This is a good fight and Roberts beats the living crap out of Ben Eagers. Wow...

Here is the first under card the of this game Ryan Whitney vs Jeff Carter and Colby Armstrong vs Scott Hartnel... Oh man what a good game. My only comments for the Whitney and Carter fight is that when your opponent hits the ground there shouldn't be any more punches throw, the fight is over.

Also former SCSU Huskie Ryan Malone gets into a pretty good scrap with Jason Smith

Oh yeah the Flyers won the game 8-2.

Flyers Hack Cote the Next one to sit.

I wonder if anyone else is getting bored with the Flyer's and their dirty antics? I am beginning to believe that these suspensions are not an accident and if there is another incident like these the Flyers will be writing a check to the league office. One could make the argument that the Broad street Bullies are back. I don't think it is a stretch to ask the question; are the Flyer's are a dirty team? Their actions on the ice seem to reflect that theme. The Flyers have had their fair share of suspensions this season (5). Every week it seems like the NHL is reviewing a new incident committed by a Flyer's player.

TORONTO- Philadelphia Flyers hack/forward Riley Cote has been suspended for three games, without pay, as a result of being assessed a match penalty for attempt to injure during NHL game #376 against the Dallas Stars Dec. 1, the National Hockey League announced today.

Cote was assessed a match penalty for elbowing Dallas defenseman and former UMD Bull Dog Matt Niskanen at 17:46 of the third period.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Cote will forfeit $8,021.40. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Cote will miss Philadelphia's next three games -- Dec. 5 at Minnesota, Dec. 7 at Colorado and Dec. 11 vs. Pittsburgh. He will be eligible to return Dec. 13 vs. Montreal.

Flyer's Wall of Shame

First it started out with super hack Steve Downey's dirty hit on Dean McAmmond.

Lets not forget Jesse Boulerice's vicious crosscheck on Canucks player Ryan Kesler.

Randy Jones hit on Patrice Bergeron, Patrice is yet to return back to the Bruins line up.

Scott Hartnell's dirty hit on Boston Bruins Defenseman Andrew Alberts

Ohlund gets 4 games for vicious slash

During tonight's Minnesota Wild XM radio broadcast Wild color commentator Tom Reid asked Minnesota Wild enforcer and resident tough guy Derrick Boogaard if there was going to be any carryover from the Ohlund's vicious slash on Koivu. Boogaard's answer was, "no". While I believe that Boogey wasn't being forth coming, I also believe he can't say, "sure we are going to take a pound of flesh from the Canucks". I can only predict how this game is going to play out, I have this game circled on my calender. I am expecting a bloodbath on November 21st when the Wild play the Canucks.

Looking at the suspension 4 games seems very light for a vicious slash that broke a bone in Koivu's leg. I think that fact that Ohlund isn't a goon probably played the reason for the rather light suspension. If this had been one of the league thugs performing this act it would have been a 20 game suspension. That being said, there is no excuse for a player getting away with a slash like that and Ohlund should have gotten at least a 10-15 game suspension.

TORONTO(November 18, 2007)– Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund has been suspended for four games, without pay, as a result of a slashing incident during NHL game #277 against the Minnesota Wild, Nov. 16.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Ohlund will forfeit $74,866.32. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred at 16:06 of the third period when Ohlund struck Minnesota player Mikko Koivu with a slash. He was assessed a slashing major and game misconduct. Koivu suffered a broken bone in his left leg on the play.

Ohlund will miss tonight’s game against Calgary, Nov. 20 in Edmonton, Nov. 21 in Minnesota and Nov. 23 in St. Louis. He will be eligible to return Nov. 25 at home against Chicago.

How dare someone be upset after being cross checked

This is the play that everyone has been talking about on the Internet, it is the Fighting Sioux goal by T.J. Oshie at the end of the first period; a momentum killer in my opinion. T.J. Oshie scores a nice goal then gets a vicious cross check by the Wisconsin Badgers resident thug/hack Davis Drewiske. The funny part is the announcers view of the game through their cardinal and white goggles.

This is how silly the Wisconsin television people sound: much to their amazement they can't see how a Sioux player can get upset after getting cross checked in the back of the head after scoring a goal. It's unheard of and bush league. The even funnier part is the guy explaining how the Sioux should be getting a another penalty as well (notice all the while that there are 3 Badger players and only 2 Sioux hockey players in the penalty box)

This is the definition of cheap

I was watching this game last week and I thought Andre Roy definitely does not respect the code, this my friends is the definition of cheap and is nothing more than a bush league hack move. Andre Roy checks the guy which is fine and then before Clarkson can get his bearings starts firing hay makers at a defenseless player.

I have watched a few of the New Jersey games this year and I think David Clarkson brings more to the table than Cam Janssen because Clarkson actually have 1 goal and 3 assists for four points on the season.

The last ugly incident in the NHL.

The first thing that comes to mind are the Philadelphia Flyers a bunch of goons?
This is the third player from their team to perform a questionable play.

I would be willing to bet that Randy Jones will get suspended for at least 5 games for this act of agression, just a hunch. My neck hurts just from watching this bush league move.

Here is the statement reguarding Bruins Statement Regarding Patrice Bergeron

Boston Bruins

Statement Regarding Patrice Bergeron from Dr. Bertram Zarins:
“After initially losing consciousness on the ice, Patrice has regained consciousness and has been taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where he is undergoing a series of tests.

Patrice has sustained a concussion and a broken nose. The initial x-rays and CT scan have not shown any other serious injury to his head or neck, and he has full feeling and motion in all of his extremities.

We will continue to monitor Patrice and await the final results of his medical studies.”

Boogaard gets even with May

I was watching the replay of the Wild and Ducks on my DVR this afternoon when I was very happy to see this fight happen. Some will say, “that fighting has no place in hockey”. Well Folks these people are dead wrong. The May vs. Boogaard fight is a direct result of the Brad May’s cheap gutless sucker punch of Wild defenseman Kim Johnsson.

In this instance the code worked well both men dropped the gloves and settled this thing on the ice. Brad May while he might be a classless hack knew eventually that he was going to have to pay for this egregious act against a defenseless unsuspecting competitor/player and fought instead of turtling.

Steve Downie takes on his own team mate in practice

Check out this fight that happened during 2005 season at a (CHL) Windsor Spitfires practice. The fight is between this season's 56th over all draft choice of the Chicago Black Hawks Akim Aliu and the Canadian hockey play most Americans hockey fans love to hate Steve Downie. The reason for the fight goes back to a hazing incident where Aliu didn't want to be hazed and Downie taking exception to him not wanting to be hazed. Aliu lost three teeth during the incident.

While apparently most in the Canadian media took Steve Downies side most of us on the other side of the border remember Downie for his cheap antics and the guy that Jack Johnson elbowed during the 2006 world Junior Tourney, also, the player that continued his antics during the 2007 World Junior Tourney.

Here are some of your classic Steve Downie moments/snap or how about this one where Ducks Player Corey Perry works over Steve Downie while the lines man tries to separate the two combatants... I knew there was a reason I admired Corey Perry.