Questionable Ference hit on Halpern (by REDWING77)

Viewing this hit, what is surely going to happen in the comments thread of this video is the proverbial splitting of hairs. Halpern and Ference collide. There is DEFINITELY contact to the head on this play.

The hair splitter is whether or not Ference raised his elbow/shoulder. His elbow clearly bends pre-hit, but his shoulder does not rise. Nevertheless, Halpern does something EXTREMELY stupid: Skate at a player with his head down.

I'm not quite certain what Halpern was trying to do here. The puck wasn't near Ference when Halpern swerved to maneuver into contact with Ference and Ference clobbered him... seemingly.

The issue with Ference is that he sees it coming and does nothing to avoid contact. In fact, he slows down before contacting Halpern. This could mean two things (hence another hair splitter):

1. Ference was trying to soften the blow, as skating produces a shifting of the shoulders that could produce an actual elbow or shoulder to the head in so much as seemingly intentional of manner, just as much as the momentum going in the opposite direction of the oncoming Halpern could further cause harm.

2. Ference slowed down to ensure contact with Halpern.

Both are plausible. Also the pretence that Halpern skated in on Ference to level Ference may have been the intent and Halpern just did it wrong.

Either way, no suspension. But Montreal will call for it.

Let the hair splitting commence.

The Good, The Bad, and Cooke's Season's Over (REDWING77)

My Oh My..... Gary Bettman, if you're reading this, don't worry big guy. You're still the boss. And there's always next year. Perhaps at the GM meetings this offseason you can make a new rule that breathing on Crosby will be a 5 minute major and an automatic 3 game suspension.

The Bad

Chicago lost in 7 to Vancouver. Man, I'm bummed about this. But it really comes down to what I thought it wouldn't come down to: Offensive inconsistency. I thought Chicago's weakness was Crawford (well, Turco, but he sucks so bad, he isn't even allowed to carry Crawford's bags... which brings me to this question: Who sucks worse: Turco or Huet? Tough one! Still say Huet. Turco was good for more than one season at one point). I was wrong. Crawford was the bright spot in Game 7. Toews finally showed up offensively. Big drop from Conn Smythe to barely noticeable on the stat sheet. I know, he wasn't bad in this series but... everyone is ruled by the stat sheet.

Anaheim vs. Nashville: I wonder if anyone in Tennessee even knows that the Preds won a series? This series was only slightly more noticeable than the Cubs baseball games in that time period... but alas, Anaheim and Nashville could beat the Cubs... And yeah, at baseball. And yeah, the Cubs are that big of a joke.

The Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice. I understand you want to take a stance that physical play belongs in hockey. I agree with you. But dangerous hits to the head doesn't belong in hockey. Might want to revisit that.

The Good

2/3rds of the Triumverate of Awful are eliminated!!!! (The Avs were eliminated 2 months into the season so I guess that means 3 of 3?) Somewhere Gary Bettman is squeezing the crap out of that stuffed penguin pet he has and crying into his Pens Jammies. His beloved boys are out! Carey Price is OUT! Let me explain:

First, Montreal. You know, I despise Carey Price. Normally, it would end there. I have nothing against any of the other players, coaches, or whatever. However, how come so many of Montreal's web-based fanbase come across as such pompous, arrogant whiners? Uh huh huh, so you can speak two languages! Uh huh huh so you historically root for a team that has won 25 Stanley Cups (probably more). But you haven't won since Patrick Roy was a rookie. Gracious in losing and in everything is what measures a fanbase. And, I admit, I root for two fanbases that have shown their backsides at times, but really... grow up guys.

Second, Pittsburgh. I feel for Crosby. He is an innocent in all of this. But he's also the Messianic message to Pittsburgh fans and the NHL Front Office. After all, no way would TB have won had Crosby been playing. After all, that's what the commentators say every time the Pens lose when Crosby isn't on the ice! In fact, I'm fairly sure that, if Crosby were healthy and the game was called the way it was supposed to be called, Pittsburgh wouldn't have lost a single game since Crosby first suited up for the Pens. He is a God child anyways.

As for Fleury, he played well, but I still think he's an overrated goaltender. Not quite as overrated as Carey Price (who I predict is going to get a nice paycheck to suck for X years for Montreal... Yep, he's the next Jose Theodore for Montreal), but that's not the story. He got outplayed by 41 year old Dwayne Roloson. The neatest Fleury trick though was Moore burned him 2 times in a row... WITH THE SAME DARN PLAY! You'd think, as Crybaby Roenick pointed out, a GREAT team like the Pens would learn. Nope. Fleury first learned that he was scored on when the red light when Moore celebrated coming out from behind the net.

As for Matt Cooke, his suspension ended up being just the right length, which is KARMATIC JUSTICE. He can now stare moodily at the video footage with Byslma 24/7 until training camp starts up without worrying about which playoff team is he going to traumatize with his cheap and illegal antics. SUCK IT COOKE.

The Red Wings: You know what: I think the Red Wings are now more dangerous. They were fairly banged up coming into the playoffs but this sweep of the Yotes may be just what the doctor ordered. In other news, the Yotes might be distracted by wondering where to address their moving boxes.

The Bruins: As Goon48 stated, Julien's job was on the line and Julien made it past the Habs. YAY! Now if the Bruins can just do what no one other than Chicago has been able to do in the last two seasons: Finish off the pesky Flyers. Bad news? Pronger is back so Savard better watch o... oops. Nevermind.

The Lightning takes on the Caps. Bettman's red headed stepchild is still in the hunt so look for the rare Ovechkin Snuggie to make an appearance wherever Bettman watches the games.

Looks like it win or be fired for Claude Julien...

Getty Images

The Boston Bruins looked pretty good winning the Northeast Division Title by 7 points, however since the Stanley Cup Playoffs began the Boston Bruins have looked disorganized and disjointed and are being saved many times by their all world goalie Tim Thomas.

According to KPD of the Boston Globe this could be Claude Julien's last game behind the Boston bench if the Bruins don’t win game seven of their series against the Montreal. Personally, as a Bruins fans I think head coach Claude Julien has been a miserable failure, none of his teams have been able to get out of the second round and last years meltdown during that Stanley Cup playoffs after being up three games to zero against the Flyers clinched it for me. I think if the Bruins’ lose tonight the GM and the head coach of the Boston Bruins should be fired.

Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe --- Time to man up on advantage. The Bruins have at least one more game, tonight, in a win-or-go-home Game 7 matchup with the Canadiens, to figure out how to wring a little cash out of a bankrupt power play. They’ve had two months to figure out those economics, including the first six games of this series, only to be left musing why they can’t get the kind of five-on-three advantages the Habs used last night to score both goals in a 2-1 victory.

“Well, let’s put it this way,’’ said Boston coach Claude Julien, who’ll need to win tonight if he hopes to preserve his job behind the bench beyond his fourth season. “It is struggling. We’ve talked about that. But they scored twice at five on three . . . five on four they weren’t a threat, and neither were we. I thought five on five we controlled the game. I know I would have liked to have a five on three, and maybe our power play would have scored, too.’’

Now, honestly, that’s open to much debate, considering the Bruins stand an eyesore 0 for 19 on the power play through six games. They went 0 for 4 last night, again too often looking hapless, punchless, and shapeless when awarded that little extra elbow room by the referees.

Would a two-man advantage help them? Hey, maybe? It could also double the pain, place a brighter spotlight on the total tonnage of their inefficiency.

Bruins not expecting Lucic to be disciplined.

According to the Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa, the Bruins haven't heard from the NHL about Milan Lucic being disciplined for his hit on Jaroslav Spacek. This is going to make the Habs and their fans howl... You will hear a bunch of garbage about the NHL being in bed with Boston because Colin Campbell's son plays for the Bruins.

As of 1:30 a.m., the Bruins had not heard from the league regarding any supplemental discipline for Milan Lucic. They are assuming Lucic will be available for Game 7.

Lucic was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for his second-period boarding penalty on Jaroslav Spacek. After Patrice Bergeron was called for delay of game during the major, the Canadiens scored the game-winning goal during a five-on-three power play.

Mike Murphy, senior vice president of hockey operations, was not available for comment.

Toews scores while falling forward...

Wow! Check out this beautiful goal by former Fighting Sioux and Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews, that was a clutch goal. It’s hard to believe that Toews only scored one goal in a seven game series. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks season ended in overtime with a goal from Vancouver Canucks pest Alexandre Burrows.

Milan Lucic hit on Jaroslav Spacek

First some disclosure I am a Boston Bruins fans, I am in now way condoning what Lucic did tonight, it was a bad hit and would get Lucic a game suspension during the regular season I have not doubt about it… In this case I think the hands of the NHL Disciplinarian(s) are tied; if the NHL didn't suspend Mike Richards for his dangerous hit on Tim Connolly there is no reason to believe that Bruins forward Milan Lucic will be suspended by the NHL for his hit.

If Lucic is suspended by the NHL then I do believe the Boston Bruins would have a legitimate complaint as well. What do you think is going to happen to Lucic? To the person that suggested that this one hit puts Lucic on par with Pen's Hack Matt Cooke, that suggestion is so far off the mark it's silly. Lucic doesn't have a history of making hits like this, Cooke has made a living doing these kinds of things.

American Hockey Coaches Association convention is this week.

It could prove to be an interesting week in college hockey, its sounds like college hockey realignment is going to be one of the more popular discussions… It would be fun to be a fly on the wall and just be able to listen to what these people have to say.

Andy Baggot, Madison.com --- American Hockey Coaches Association convention is staged Wednesday to Sunday in Naples, Fla. Coaches and administrators from every affiliation will be on hand to ostensibly map out the future of NCAA Division I men's hockey.

For the first time, the six members of the newly proposed Big Ten Conference will get together at the AHCA convention to devise strategy and policy for their debut in 2013-14. That includes the University of Wisconsin, which will send its men's and women's coaching and support staffs as well as three administrators: UW senior associate athletic director Sean Frazier, athletic board chair Walter Dickey and athletic board member Sheila McGuirk.

Those meetings will take place under the same roof of the five established leagues -- Atlantic Hockey, Central Collegiate Hockey Association, Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, Hockey East Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association -- whose futures are tied in various ways to the Big Ten.

Most affected are the CCHA, which is losing Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State, and WCHA, which is losing Minnesota and UW.

There has been a lot of talk recently of mergers and acquisitions, most centering on CCHA resident Notre Dame, which reportedly has had talks with WCHA officials.

Is a WCHA/CCHA super league in the offing? What will become of independent Alabama-Huntsville? Is there another Big Ten program on the drawing board?

Perhaps most important, who will dictate and oversee the changes? Will they be on the same page or will there be rogue entities?

One thing seems certain: the AHCA meetings will be anything but dull.

Joe Thornton OT winner

Joe Thornton has had a reputation for choking during the playoffs, if you don't believe me all you have to do is go to http://www.google.com and type Joe Thornton and Choke. I think last night Joe Thornton exercised some playoff demons.

Vancouver GM Mike Gillis whining about the officiating.

Talk about whining, holy cow... So how does Vancouver GM Mike Gillis get away about complaining about the refs and not get fined by the NHL? Also, if you're unhappy with the number of penalties your team has taken, tell your players to stop taking ill advised penalties. Basically this guy is begging the refs to not call penalties on his players. I think this press conference could back fire on him. As hockey fans, I am guilty, I complain about the officials as well, I admit it, but I am not a general manager of an NHL franchise. There are always 6-7 calls that could go your way in any game, that don't go your way. That's hockey.

The Chris Conner Kerfuffle

I actually feel bad for this kid, on the big stage in the big game... Former Michigan Tech University Husky and current Pittsburgh Penguins forward Chris Conner loses the handle on the puck during a penalty shot during tonight's game. Unfortunately for Chris Conner his is going to be on all of the highlights tonight.

But of course; Flyers SBN blogger didn't think Richards hit warranted a suspension

They don't call the Flyers the Broad Street Bullies for nothing. I find this blog post and the comments to be remotely entertaining, I thought I would share them with you... The sad part is that Karma has a way of evening things out. Eventually Mike Richards is going be on the receiving end of one of these hits... It will be interesting to see if the Flyers fans will say the same things they are now. There was no malicious intent, players shouldn't have put himself in that position, blah, blah, blah.

Broad Street Hockey ---- I base my opinion off of a few things. For starters, I don't believe there's any malicious intent from Richards, and it does sound horrible and you feel bad saying it, but there's definitely some onus on Connolly to not put himself in that kind of position. The rulebook even says that.

But for the most part, I think the lack of suspension is the right call based solely on the precedent we've seen in these playoffs so far. Jarret Stoll sat one game for direct contact to the head of Ian White, as did Chris Kunitz for his elbow to the head of Simon Gagne. Those are much more egregious hits than Richards', considering the whole contact-to-the-head factor.

Richards isn't innocent in the slightest bit, and honestly, I'd be surprised if this wasn't a suspension in the regular season. Now, though, this isn't suspension worthy in the playoffs, as the NHL has held a pretty strong line on not enforcing this hit-from-behind stuff. That should change, but for now, the Flyers have their captain in Game 7.

Michael Frolik penalty shot...

I have never seen a goalie get hurt on a penalty shot before. I hope that Canucks goalie Cory Schneider is ok. Schneider was playing well until he was pulled from the game due to this injury.

Bryan Bickell smokes Canucks "bleep" Kevin Bieksa...

First off I can't stand Kevin Bieksa, he has been running around all over the ice acting like a "Bush League" hack... My question is to you is, do you think this is the same kind of hit as the Raffi Torres hit on Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook? I think their different hits, in my opinion Brent Seabrook never touched the puck behind the Hawks net, but Kevin Bieksa did have possession of the puck. I want to know what you think, is this the same kind of hit?

Vancouver Sun --- Bieksa didn't see him approaching, was vulnerable, and Bickell lowered his shoulder and drilled the defenceman in the head, sending him flying, a tremendous collision of the type that is certain to make the next Rock'em Sock'em collection.

It was a virtually identical hit to the one with which Vancouver's Raffi Torres flattened the vulnerable Blackhawks defenceman Brent Seabrook, concussing him, in Game 3. The only difference was that Bieksa had the puck, Seabrook did not, so where Torres was handed a minor penalty for interference, Bickell was entirely unpenalized.

We don't yet know what the effect on Bieksa's brain will be. Seabrook's symptoms didn't appear until a day later.

Both hits were, in exactly the same way, deplorable: blindside hits targeting the head of an unsuspecting opponent, the kinds of hits the NHL ought to want to be rid of, but seems instead to make every possible excuse for, even to encourage.

Another perspective on the Fighting Sioux nickname and the NCAA...

I really like what this guys says and it would appear that there is a growing dislike for how the NCAA has handled this situation.

David Coulson, Executive Editor/Managing Partner College Sporting News --- Emmert was a breath of fresh air that afternoon as he outlined his plans for a more forthright NCAA. The one-time Montana State administrator even stayed around to watch Eastern Washington beat Delaware in the championship game.

But after reading about how the NCAA is treating the University of North Dakota, it looks like things are pretty much status quo for this most frustrating of organizations.

Let me get this straight, the NCAA cannot find a way to stand up to Cam Newton as his father tries to sell him off to the highest bidder, but it thinks it is important to bother UND about its supposedly politically insensitive nickname of the Fighting Sioux.

Nothing bothers me much more than hypocrisy and no organization epitomizes that term more than the NCAA, just as it has since the days of its first president, Walter Byers.

Its previous leader, the late Miles Brand, might have accomplished a lot during his tenure, particularly in the area of academic reform, but one of the biggest wastes of time during those years was the NCAA's attack on Native American nicknames.

And it appears this Gestapo-like siege isn't going to change under Emmert, the organization's fifth executive director.

Some petty, dipstick of a bureaucrat named Bernard Franklin — officially an "executive vice president" with the NCAA — announced this week that it didn't matter that the state of North Dakota had passed legislation requiring North Dakota to use its historical nickname of the Fighting Sioux, because the NCAA was ready to penalized UND anyway.

First off, as a means of full disclosure, I have some Cherokee blood running through my veins, so I know from history what it means to have a Native American group face discrimination.

If a team in North Carolina, or some other state with historical status wants to honor my Cherokee roots with a team moniker, I have zero problem with it, just as I don't mind Notre Dame honoring some of my other ancestors by calling themselves the Fighting Irish.

Awesome BSU Hockey video

Beaver Hockey from Beaver Hockey on Vimeo.

Here is a promotional Video for BSU hockey that Troy Mills had posted on his facebook page. Troy is the owner the BSU Hockey message board, the Beaver Pond. My friend Scott Williams with the call on the goals from Lakeland Public Television.

Ex-Eagle Ben Smith forces game 7 for the Blackhawks...

There was a story line that I didn't think about, two Boston College Eagles played a big hand in tonight's game between the Blackhawks and the Canucks. First Cory Schneider played hockey with Ben Smith at Boston College and now were facing each other in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Obviously, Cory Schneider was the Vancouver Canucks goalie, albeit before he left the game because of an injury that he suffered on the penalty shot goal by Blackhawks forward Michael Frolik.

In the overtime Blackhawks forward Ben Smith was able to get the upper hand on his former teammate by ending the game with his goal at the 15:30 mark of overtime, forcing a game seven. The final twist is; Apparently the Canucks have two goalies that are both banged up, Roberto Luongo was hurt in game four and Schneider was hurt in tonight's game.

Mike Richards pastes Tim Connolly

Another night, another dangerous hit. The Buffalo Sabres are not happy with Mike Richards hit on Tim Connolly. Sabres All World goalie Ryan Miller had this to say on the hit, "If Mike Richards thinks we're getting away with murder I don't know what he just got away with. Mass murder? Are we stepping up a notch? Unbelievable." This could be a rough game seven if either team gets a big lead. If you see a players rear numbers you can not drive them face first into the boards.

PSU to hire Guy Gadowsky as head coach

Interesting! While many said that Scott Sandelin was the front runner for the PSU head coaching position the PSU Nittany Lions select Princeton head hockey coach Guy Gadowsky as their guy.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State Director of Athletics Tim Curley has announced the hiring of Guy Gadowsky, formerly of Princeton University, as the first head coach of the men's ice hockey program. The 2008 Inside College Hockey National Coach of the Year, Gadowsky brings 15 years of head coaching experience to lead the Nittany Lions into NCAA Division I competition starting in 2012-13.

Gadowsky has spent the past seven years leading Princeton's resurgence, which includes NCAA Championship berths in 2008 and '09 and the 2008 ECAC Hockey Championship. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, he was head coach at Alaska-Fairbanks for five years prior to taking the reins of the Princeton program and has earned league coach of the year honors at each of his three head coaching posts.

"Guy is the perfect choice for Penn State," said Penn State President Graham Spanier. "He has been immensely successful, is a great motivator, knows how to build programs, and has strong academic values."

"Pursuing success with honor. Building tradition. Achieving excellence. As we launch our hockey program at the Division I level, these are the on and off-ice expectations, and Guy Gadowsky has successfully accomplished these goals and more throughout his career. We welcome Guy and his family to Hockey Valley," said Curley.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Penn State hockey during this transitional period and into Division I," Gadowsky said. "I am truly honored to join Penn State and the spirit, pride, passion, class and professionalism found within its students, staff and alumni. I am humbled by the tremendous gift by the Pegula family and the commitment by Penn State. This is a very exciting time for college hockey and Penn State and our family is thrilled to be joining the Penn State family."

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany on the B1G Hockey Farce

This article was in the Omaha.com newspaper on Friday. Its the same stuff again, we (Big Ten) are trying to do what's best for college hockey, we are trying to be sensitive. Which is basically a load of crap, B1G is just  trying to maximize their profits with their television network and they could care less about the have-nots of college hockey, BGSU, FSU, LSSU, NMU and WMU of college hockey. Personally, I think the WCHA and the CCHA should tell the Big Ten, good luck and don't let the door hit you in the @$$ on the way out. Pardon me if I am not enthusiastic about the Big Ten Hockey Conference. You can call me a hater, whatever, I don't care...

Omaha.com --- Prompted by Penn State's decision to launch a program, the move was long rumored, but that didn't make it any more popular in some hockey hotbeds around the Midwest.

UNO coach Dean Blais voiced his opposition, saying the move could potentially ruin college hockey, dismantling old rivalries and hurting low-budget programs. What's Jim Delany's response?

Jim Delany: “I don't think anybody has been more sensitive or hands-off on college hockey than the athletic directors and coaches at Big Ten universities for the last 20 years. We had five institutions that played. They did everything they could to help hockey maintain itself. It's not a sport that's widely sponsored outside of certain regions of the country. And every time the issue came up, they said we need to do what's in the best long-term interest for hockey.

“Before Penn State announced its (hockey) membership, it really talked to the conference athletic directors and presidents about forming a hockey league if we got to the minimum of six institutions. We had a good discussion about that and decided that if we had six members, we would want a Big Ten hockey league, as we do in every sport that has six members. There were things about that that would be good for Big Ten hockey and there would be things that would help grow hockey. We may ultimately end up with more than six members doing hockey.

“But before we announced it, at least a year ago, we went to the commissioners of both hockey leagues (WCHA and CCHA). We told them we wanted to be thorough, respectful and we wanted to communicate with all the hockey schools. In fact, we spent a lot of time talking with the two commissioners about how we could put our schedules together in a way that served other hockey-member-playing institutions. We wanted to commit to them those nonconference games ... They continued to say, ‘You need to let us know what you're going to do, so we can make plans. We then said, ‘Well, give us numbers of every athletic director in every hockey school in your conference.' We wanted to communicate directly with them to see how best we could serve. They preferred that we not. I don't know why. But we had offered to do that, to work with them, to sync up schedules.

More Colin Campbell....

Time to strike while the iron is hot, the time has come for Colin Campbell to move on, I believe that Campbell usefulness has come to and end... I can see why people are becoming unhappy with the status quo in the NHL. after listening to this podcast. I have to admit that I had not heard the postcast in question till this morning, this man sounds like a bumbling buffoon.

PITTSBURGH - The NHL hockey operations department has endured a difficult season, and apparently it's far from over.

But perhaps it's time for NHL head disciplinarian Colin Campbell to step down from his role and hand it off to somebody else. Campbell has taken a large amount of criticism this season for his decisions, whether it was from suspensions handed down or plays in which it was deemed a suspension was not worthy.

Campbell is no doubt in a difficult spot, having to answer to the 30 general managers while dealing with plenty of backlash from fans and media for his decisions. And this playoff season has particularly been tough on Campbell as there have been five suspensions already handed out in the first round — there were four all of last postseason — on top of suspensions to Vancouver's Raffi Torres and Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke that carried into the playoffs.

But Campbell is starting to show the strain of the decisions he makes and all but snapped during a radio interview with TSN Radio, based out of Toronto, with James Cybulski and Dave Feschuk. Campbell accused the hosts at one point of having an agenda and not watching hockey.

"Thankless job? Yeah, it's thankless," he said. "Especially at this time of year when there's so much at play here with the playoffs and cities are involved. When you rule on certain situations, all of a sudden you become public enemy No. 1. ... Am I (ticked) off right now? Yeah I'm (ticked) off.''

Time for Colin Campbell to step aside.

I couldn't agree more... To be honest with you I don't know a lot of people that like Colin Campbell and I can't imagine him leaving would have a negative affect on the NHL. All I see is a positive.

Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun --- The time has come for Gary Bettman to take Colin Campbell aside, hand him a nice going-away cheque, and say thanks.

The time is relatively soon — at the end of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Campbell has been on the job as chief NHL disciplinarian for too long. He has become too erratic, too emotional, too exposed to be of real internal or external value to the league any longer. His explosive interview on TSN Radio this week was both telling and startling: There was a Howard Beale element to it all: Campbell may not be mad as hell — in most cases, I’ve found him to be rather sane, terribly human and always approachable — but he doesn’t seem to be willing to take it anymore.

The job of patrolling the out-of-control state of the NHL borders on the impossible. Campbell has had a long run and mostly a good run as sheriff. It’s time for someone else to find out just how impossible this position happens to be.

Sunday Links....

Redwing77's favorite TV Sports personality, NESN play by play announcer Jack Edwards with the call of the Boston Bruins game winning goal by Nathan Horton against the Habs in the second over time.

There is no question that Capitals Defenseman Mike Green is tough, all I can say is ouch, check out the video of Green taking a puck to the head/face vs the Rangers... You can see pieces of his helmet exploding. [Click to view]

The CBC Hockey Night in Canada Hot Stove; the The panel discusses the possible relocation of the Phoenix Coyotes. Screw the players that don't want to play in Winnipeg. [Click to watch]

Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien says that Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas deserves to win the Vezina trophy, I agree, without a great season from Tim Thomas the Boston Bruins would have been a middle of the road team in the North East Division... I have heard all of the arguments about all of the various goalies around the NHL that played well this season but Thomas has a very, very good season... Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks are impressed with Roberto Luongo right now? Who would you rather have back stopping your team right now?[Click to view]


Last night former Fighting Sioux and current Anaheim Ducks forward Jason Blake scored two hard working goals against the Nashville Predators. Jason Blake's two goals last night brought back memories of Jason Blake and his days with the Sioux. Jason Blake was a work horse when he was with the Sioux, he was compared to the Energizer Bunny because he never quit working hard and he never game up around the net. [goal number two]

Brooksie and Torts at it again...

While this is a little old, I found this video to be amusing. If you haven't seen this video John Tortorella and Larry Brooks have a long history and they get into it once again last week.

Seriously, I wonder why Torts even takes questions from Larry Brooks anymore, it's obvious that Brooks and Torts can't play nice together. You can also bet that these two guys aren't going to go out for coffee and discuss the weather or anything for that matter. You have to wonder if John Tortorella is going to be around much longer in New York if he Rangers are bounced from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Washington Capitals.

The two faces of Pen's Hack Matt Cooke

For some reason the Globe and Mail from Toronto wants to remake the image of Matt Cooke the player. I could care less if Matt Cooke donated some hockey equipment to a junior team in Canada. As a Boston Bruins fan I am still disgusted that Matt Cooke got away "scott-free" with dirty hit on Marc Savard where Cooke tried to dislodge Savard's head from the rest of his body.

Globe and Mail --- Matt Cooke is spending part of his days as a suspended NHL player in front of a video screen, with Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma or one of his assistants, Tony Granato or Todd Reirden.

There, Cooke sits and watches the dirty hits that brought the outrage of the hockey world down on him last month.

The idea, Penguins general manager Ray Shero said, is to bring back a changed man when Cooke returns from his latest suspension that covered the final 10 games of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. Pittsburgh leads the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first-round series three games to one, with a chance to close it out Saturday (CBC, noon ET). If the Pens advance, he could be back in action as early as next week.

“The coaches say [to Cooke] you have to be careful with this, be more conscious of this,” Shero said. “I think he wants to change the way things happen for him.”

Shortly after NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell announced the fifth suspension of Cooke's career for a hit to the head of New York Rangers defenceman Ryan McDonagh on March 20, Cooke said, “I realize and understand more so now than ever that I need to change.”

The million-dollar question is, can he change? Is the 32-year-old forward afflicted with an internal trigger that sets off uncontrollable, violent behaviour? Or is his intimidating, injurious style of play really a cold, contrived strategy designed to keep him playing in the NHL as long as possible?

Color me skeptical and while you can’t see me, please note that I am rolling my eyes… I don’t see how a player that has played the game the way Matt Cooke does for so long is now somehow going to change the way he plays and now we are to believe that Cooke is a reformed player that is going to play the game within the confines of the rules. Yeah; and I have some beach front property in Florida that I would like to sell you, real cheap too. I will believe it when I see it. I think the next time this ruffian (or insert your own adjective_________ to describe Matt Cooke) screws up the NHL should really throw the book at him. I am all for bone crushing checks and good fights between heavy weights but the stuff Cooke doesn’t isn’t good hockey.

Bobby Ryan's skate down the ice - Awesome goal...

Wow! That was an amazing effort for a beautiful goal by the Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan, this is one of those highlight goals that should be on an NHL promotion... Bobby Ryan had just returned from a two game suspension; Ryan was suspended for games three and four after stomping on the skate of Nashville defenseman Jonathon Blum in Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

Former ND AG Alen Olson tees off on NCAA...

It’s about time someone with some political clout said something in response to the NCAA. So kudos to former ND Governor and Attorney General Allen Olson for taking the NCAA to task.

Grand Forks Herald --- Allen Olson served two terms as North Dakota attorney general before he was elected governor in 1980. In the early 1990s, former UND President Charles Kupchella asked him to serve on an advisory committee concerning the nickname, and last year Kelley named Olson to his nickname “transition cabinet,” to help guide a respectful retirement of the popular name and logo.

“What bothers me the most about this … I see the politics of it,” Olson said.

“Setting aside the emotions of the Native American and non-native relationships of this issue, it was an easy way for the NCAA to offset the legitimate criticisms they had received for years about the extraordinary amounts of money involved in collegiate sports,” he said. “It seemed to me it was an easy way for the NCAA to use a serious and significant issue that deserved serious attention but turn it to their advantage and use their monopoly power” to force a change.

“I wish I had more respect for the NCAA,” Olson said. “It is a flawed organization.”

Citing NCAA controversies over money in collegiate sports and other matters, Olson said the association “certainly (has) been humbled. In the past few years, they’ve been forced to feel the heat over some irrational policies.

“My sense is (the campaign against member schools’ use of American Indian names and logos) was a way to respond to the academic intelligentsia critics on NCAA member campuses where they were under continuous criticism,” he said. “It was a convenient and easy way for them to claim credibility.”

NCAA officials, provided a synopsis of Olson’s comments, responded tersely.

“Mr. Olson is entitled to his opinions,” Bob Williams, NCAA vice president of communications, wrote in an email, “but they have no basis in fact.”

Hextall signs with the Coyotes.

I hope Brett Hextall likes Winnipeg... The Twitter World just exploded with this breaking news, it's what some of us have feared for a while, Brett Hextall signed an entry level deal with the Winnipeg Jets Phoenix Coyotes.

AZcentral.com --- The Phoenix Coyotes have signed forward Brett Hextall to an entry-level contract.

Hextall, 23, scored 13 goals and 16 assists in 39 games at the University of North Dakota. He led his team to two  one Frozen Four appearances in three seasons.

Hextall, the son of former goaltender Ron Hextall, was drafted in the sixth round, 159th overall, by the Coyotes in the 2008 Entry Draft. Ron Hextall played 13 seasons in the NHL.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Think there will be any hurt feelings when this series is done.

This series has turned into a really good hockey series. I think I am going to have to tune in and watch game 6.

They lived up to that reputation on all accounts Thursday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, when the Blackhawks scored early and often and blew out the Canucks 5-0 in their own building — which was absolutely silent when the great Vancouver fans weren’t booing their own team.

Raffi Torres got in another cheap shot when he went leg to leg with Ben Smith, Alex Burrows slashed Patrick Kane, Dan Hamhuis tried to end Dave Bolland’s season with a hit to the head and Alex Edler finished the second period with an elbow to Troy Brouwer’s head.

All the game was missing was Kevin Bieksa jumping someone from behind, though he didn’t get the chance and didn’t seem to like it much when Brouwer dropped the gloves and hit back.

So let’s see what the geniuses from the NHL offices decide to do about those two hits to the head, but don’t hold your breath expecting justice from Colin Campbell and Co.

Meanwhile, the Canucks are now officially terrified of the Hawks again, having twice failed to close out the series as the teams head back to Chicago for Game 6, with Vancouver knowing goalie Roberto Luongo is in full-blown meltdown and pondering three straight years of Chicago misery.

Think the $10 million goalie gets another chance to start Sunday in Chicago on a short leash? Can’t wait to find out. [Read the whole article]

Andrew Ference waves with one finger now $2500.00 lighter in the wallet

This is bad, you can not do that. When asked about the incident Ference said, “I apologize. That is not part of my repertoire. My glove got caught up there.” I think Ference would be better off just saying I am sorry and leaving it at that...

NEW YORK -- The NHL fined Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference US$2,500 on Friday for making an obscene gesture during a playoff game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Ference was fined for giving Canadiens fans the finger after a goal in the second period during Boston's 5-4 overtime win over Montreal on Thursday night at the Bell Centre.

Ference apologized later and said his finger got stuck in his glove.
No penalty was assessed for the incident.

Edler's elbow smash to-the-head of Brouwer

Another game, another dirty head shot, seems like the players are not getting the message one bit, it also looks like the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice will be spinning again today. What the hell is wrong with Alex Edler, who basically started a line brawl at the end of the second period with a dirty unneeded elbow to the face of Troy Brouwer’s... Come on! There is no excuse for that hit, it's unacceptable and there is no way anyone can defend that dirty hit, even the Canucks fans… Whatever happened to playing the game straight up and taking a number?

Are the Canucks gutless?

Here is an interesting article that I found in a Chicago newspaper the Daily Herald, to be honest with you, this is how I have felt for a very long time when it comes to the new NHL. I blame the instigator penalty for much of this.

The crap that goes unanswered today is ridiculous, in the old days if you ran hit someone with a questionable hit you had to answer for it, for example Matt Cooke’s hit on Marc Savard would have caused a bench clearing brawl in the 1970’s, now the refs go out of their way protect the agitators and the punks that skate up and down the ice taking liberties that many times go unanswered...

Daily Herald --- The Vancouver Canucks have long been known as a team that will crack under the strain, succumb to the pressure and ultimately choke away a chance to win the Stanley Cup.

But now they've shown the entire NHL they're gutless, too. Raffi Torres tops the list and Kevin Bieksa isn't far behind.

They're both fairly typical of the “new” NHL, which has created an environment where players aren't held accountable.

The players used to police these matters and settle scores — think Darren McCarty-Claude Lemieux and Dirk Graham-Vlad Konstantinov — and the game was safer because of it, but now the league would rather have Torres running around trying to end careers and never force him to answer for it.

John Scott had every intention of putting Torres in his place Tuesday night late in the game, but as he engaged Torres at the faceoff circle, referee Dan O'Rourke tossed them both, robbing the Hawks of a chance to set things straight.

That's maddening enough — and you wonder why Scott didn't wait until the puck dropped — but then Bieksa suddenly became a tough guy with Scott gone for the night.

He jumped legendary enforcer Viktor Stalberg and began throwing punches before Stalberg even knew he was in a fight.

Wow, Bieksa is some brave man. Does he kick kittens, too?

About 10 minutes earlier, Tanner Glass refused to fight Scott, and when he couldn't get Glass involved, Scott waited too long to have a conversation with Bieksa, who feigned hearing loss and wouldn't even look at Scott — the equivalent of going into the turtle.

Ryder's game winning goal against the Habs'

For the whinny Habs fans and the Montreal media that said the Boston Bruins game winning goal was offsides at the blue line, I watched the video about 10 times and I say not a chance was that goal offsides, take off the red goggles and go back and watch the video again, that was a good call at the blue line and a good goal.

Andrew Ference gives 20,000 whinny Hab's fans the bird.

So you know this obscene gesture is going to cost Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference some cash... I hear that 2,500.00 is the going rate for such an act, I am sure that Ference can afford it. As a Bruins fans I really can't blame Ference for giving the Habs fans the bird, historically Habs fans are some biggest whiners in the NHL and they remind me of a fan base 350 miles to the south and east of us here in Grand Forks, ND... I mean seriously the Habs fans and booed Zedeno Chara every time he touched the puck, let it go already.

Ducks' hack Ruutu suspended for one game - edit Erat to miss game 5

Jarkko Ruutu’s hit on Martin Erat will cost him a one game suspension, Ruutu has been suspended by the NHL and he will miss torrow night's game five between the Ducks and the Predators.

Edit: If you want to read an interesting perspective about the hit click on the link to the Duck's Blog at the Orange County Register, some of the comments are interesting. If you go and a read NHL rule 48 it appears that the hit by Ruutu is a textbook example of a violation of that rule. The rule is pretty straight forward. If the Ruutu hit on Erat was as soft as some Ducks fan s have claimed, then why is Erat going to miss game five? According to the Tennessean Martin Erat will not make the trip to Anaheim for Friday’s Game 5 and is being listed with an upper-body injury. So much for the Theory that Erat took a dive and it was a soft hit. Game, set and match.

TORONTO – Anaheim Ducks forward Jarkko Ruutu has been suspended for one game for delivering a late hit to Nashville Predators forward Martin Erat in Game Four of their Western Conference quarterfinal last night, the National Hockey League announced today.

The incident occurred 4:00 into the second period and Ruutu was assessed a minor penalty for interference on the play.

Ruutu's suspension will be served tomorrow night (April 22) when the Ducks host the Predators in Game Five of the series.

What's wrong with the Denver Post?

Denver Post's Picture

My question made Adrian Dater recent Av's Mail Bag at the Denver Post Av's blog. I don’t know Adrian Dater from Adam and let me be clear; it’s not just Adrian Dater either, for whatever reason it seem to be the modus operandi of the Denver Post to make objectionable headlines and blog post articles to stir up the masses, especially Fighting Sioux fans. Seems like the only time the focus is on the Denver Pioneers is when the Sioux and Pioneers play and the Sioux fans help sell out DU’s arena. But I digress.

This isn’t about DU and UND… It’s about the lack of class in performing drive-by-journalism to bring attention to certain major metropolitan newspaper. I guess the Denver Post is struggling for readers and visitors to their Denver Post on line site as well? I guess people would rather look at the Rocky Mountains than read their newspaper? You don’t see Brad Schlossman or Michael Russo doing this kind of stuff in their work. Maybe the Denver Post could learn from these two individuals.

So why the questionable articles and titles to online posts, there is a documented history; the Denver Post sports writer Mark Kiszla did the same thing during the Wild and Avalanche Stanley Cup playoffs series three seasons ago. Adrian Dater was complaining about Wild forward Cal Cluterbuck earlier this season, he took issue with Cal's hits, but also said, Clutterbuck was running around the ice clucking and turtling from fights after Cal Clutterbuck ate the Av’s lunch during a hockey game.

Mike Chambers did it with his ridiculous Sioux fighter’s comments, and then the unnecessary blog post whining about the treatment a FSN Rocky Mountain reporter Alanna Rizzo got at the REA during a January 2009 series between the Sioux and Pioneers. Finally, the hit piece about Jesse Martin feeling snubbed by Brad Malone during the NCAA regionals.

Can the Post just write articles without having to insult a specific fan base? There was no need to write the title to the Brad Malone signing, none! It was unnecessary and I hope the that University of North Dakota thinks twice before they make their players and coaching staff available to the Denver Post again… I can't see George Gwozdecky being treated like that in the Grand Forks Herald.

Why would The Denver Post try to stir up discontent with Fighting Sioux fans with their latest title: "Avalanche signs Brad Malone, whose hit broke the neck of DU's Martin." Is that really necessary?
---Eric B, Grand Forks, N.D.

Yeah, there were a few complaints about that headline. I think I can speak for The Denver Post here and say there was never any goal to "stir up discontent." But it's a bit of a tricky line here. It shouldn't define his whole life, but the fact is Malone was the guy involved in a very high-profile story here. You have to mention it.

Maybe it didn't have to be so blatantly displayed in the headline, and saved instead for the body of the story, but this was also the Internet version of the story. There tend to be longer and more subject-heavy headlines now on the 'Net, because of search engines and rankings on them.

The fact is, though, there was nothing untruthful in the headline. It's a fact. Let's hope Malone creates better things in his biography around here, to change the headlines.

Eric Brewer hit on Maxime Talbot and A door opens for Zherdev

The Flyers and Sabres series last night has had some big hits that will get some review from the NHL brass. Eric Brewer’s hit on Penguins forward Maxime Talbot might also get a look from the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice as well.


A Flyers fan mentioned this act in the comments of the Mike Richards hit on Patrick Kaleta... Patrick Kaleta for some reason saw fit to open the bench door of the Sabres players bench for Nik Zherdev while he was being checked, unfortunately that's a bush league move that was unnecessary because Zherdev could have been seriously hurt from that knuckleheaded move.

In retrospect I wish I would have watched this game last night instead of the snore feast between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals because it looks like the Flyers and Sabres series has proved to be one of the better series to be played during this season Stanley Cup playoffs so far.

Mike Richards elbow on Patrick Kaleta

I not sure what to make out of this call, if was a definitely an elbow to the head of Patrick Kaleta but I believe that Mike Richards was trying to protect himself from getting hit by Kaleta. Should Mike Richards be suspended for this hit? I don't know, it's different than some of the other hits we have seen during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Was the penalty 5, 10 and a game misconduct enough? That is what the NHL is going to have to decide.

Martin Erat blown up by Jarkko Ruutu...

Jarkko Ruutu’s hit on Martin Erat is going to get some scrutiny from the NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell. Enough is enough someone needs to sit the rest of the playoffs, eliminate them from the game for the rest of the playoffs.

Every night there is another incident that involves another player head hunting an opponent. Eventually, I hate to say it; someone is going to get killed on the ice and it isn't going to be from a fight, it going to be at the should/elbow of one of these gutless pukes that some like to refer to as agitators, I call them P.O.S. they are the Matt Cooke type players that take liberties up and down the ice. These are the same buffoons that commit one of these gutless acts and then hide behind the refs and turtle when challenged to a fight. Unfortunately, none of these repeat offenders players ever seem to get caught with their heads down.

This is why we applaud players like Evander Kane when the bill comes due; this is why I stood up and cheered in my empty living room when Tie Domie knocked Ulfie Samuelsson out cold. These players never seem to pay for their transgressions and they never get what they have coming to them.

Kristo to return to UND for the 2011-2012 season...

According to Runnin' With the Dog's favorite beat writer Brad Schlossman UND Sophomore forward Danny Kristo will be back with the Fighting Sioux next season. The pieceS are beginning to fall into place, the UND fan base is Anxiously awaiting word from junior forwards Brett Hextall and Jason Gregoire. There has been "a lot of speculation and rumors" on the various fan message boards and blogs on whether Brett Hextall and Jason Gregoire are going to sign professional contracts or not. We just have to wait I guess, lets hope they decided to make a return to UND.

UND Hockey Blog ---- Danny Kristo, a second-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2008, says he will be on a team that he thinks can sneak up on some people.

“I thought about it and looked it over and obviously could have done either or,” Kristo said. “But I feel like with (Aaron) Dell coming back Bloody (Ben Blood) coming back, that will be huge for us. Knighter (Corban Knight) will be back. He’s one of the most underrated guys in the league. I think we will have a strong team next year and we can surprise a lot of people. Personally, there is still a lot I can accomplish.”

After a slow start in terms of production, Kristo was one of UND’s top point producers come the end of the season. In his last 16 games, he had 23 points. If you average that rate over a full season, it would have equated to 61 or 62 points.

NCAA didn't want an open meeting.

Grant Shaft was on the Flag 1100 A.M. with Scott Hennen yesterday and apparently the NCAA didn't want to participate in an open meeting. Hum! Interesting. That's not very transparent if you ask me. [Click to listen]

GRAND FORKS, ND – Top NCAA executives did not want to participate in a meeting that would have been open to the public; that’s “plain and simple,” according to State Board of Higher Education member Grant Shaft.

Appearing on the Scott Hennen Show yesterday, Shaft was disappointed that the NCAA cancelled its scheduled April 22nd meeting with state and school officials, but was hopeful that another conference could still be arranged.

“I don’t think they were looking for a situation where the meeting would be either covered by the press – or there would be any kind of testimony, or anything like that – and for that reason, they pretty clearly indicated that they weren’t going to come. I’m still hopeful we’ll have the opportunity to speak with the NCAA on this - I haven’t lost hope -it’s just that particular meeting on the 22nd fell through” Shaft said.

Although an open-door forum has been widely favored by the public (and some North Dakota legislators, including Governor Dalrymple) Shaft understood the uncomfortable position this would have presented the NCAA. In his experience, negotiations are best played out under the discretion of a “closed private setting”:

“You have to remember is there’s essentially two hats here: one is providing an opportunity for people to be a part of it, and vent themselves, or whatever they wanted to do – but the other part was for those of us who truly wanted to see if we could get a deal struck with them to retain the nickname and logo” Shaft said.

Shaft anticipates state and school officials will respond to the NCAA retraction after the current legislative session adjourns.

NCAA Will Penalize North Dakota for Use of Sioux Mascot

For the most part I really liked what Allen Corbin of 1340 A.M. had to say in this article, however, I must correct him a bit, The University of North Dakota has a nickname and logo and does not have a "Mascot" there is no one running around dressed up like a “Sioux Warrior” at UND sporting events. In fact I haven’t ever seen this happen since I first attended UND in fall of 1993.

Allen Corbin 1340 the Fan --- Spirit Lake tribal members endorsed the nickname and logo in a referendum, and the tribe’s governing council followed. The Standing Rock Sioux’s tribal council, which has long opposed the nickname, has declined to change its stand.

The letter means UND will be subject to NCAA sanctions after the new law takes effect in August and could be barred from hosting post-season events on campus. Schools like UND will be penalized when honoring and celebrating the heritage of their area and yet the NCAA and its thought police wish to impose its liberal bias on its institutions. This is a slippery slope in our society and the NCAA isn’t helping by throwing water on the path.

This issue doesn’t pertain to just UND or other schools who have aboriginal mascots. If the NCAA prevails, no telling where this road will lead universities and colleges. PETA could very conceivably petition the NCAA to sanction schools who use animals as mascots and could even try to ban use of Texas Tech’s Matador Song. Matador means killer of bulls for those of you in Austin.

UND spokesman Peter Johnson told the Associated Press, “We thought it was important to clarify the NCAA’s position, given all of the activity that’s taken place with this issue over the last two months. I think the letter is pretty clear.”

The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, the Republican majority leader in the North Dakota House, was approved in the House and Senate overwhelmingly. It was signed by Gov. Jack Dalrymple last month a few hours after it was delivered to his office.

“I think the citizens of our state view this quite differently than they do,” Carlson said. “We want to know a lot more than what they’re going to do. We want to know the reasons why, and we want them to listen to our side of the story.”

Jack Edwards hates diving in hockey...

This one is for my buddy Redwing77, as we both hate diving and embellishment in any form of ice hockey... I agree I can't stand watching some bozo/buffoon embellish a hit or penalty and flail around on the ice and act like they have been shot to draw a penalty only to have them to return to the ice for the ensuing power play.

NCAA sticking to 2007 agreement; UND will face penalties for continuing use of Fighting Sioux nickname, logo

It will be interesting to see how this thing plays out... I think there is some time before it gets dicey. It would appear that this is a high stakes poker game; we will have to see who blinks first

In talking to the head of the Alumni Department during the Final Five and the biggest loser if UND is sanctioned by the NCAA would be the woman’s hockey team which will probably be eligible for a home series during the NCAA tourney.  If UND went back on the NCAA list the UND Woman's Hockey team would probably have to travel on the road if they made the NCAA tourney. That is something to think about because they were very close to making it the NCAA playoff this season and with the addition of a few recruits coming in this fall this team could be a title contender or at least in the mix.

Nothing has changed.

That’s the message UND President Robert Kelley received today from the NCAA, after Kelley queried the association on where things stand.

In a letter dated Friday, Kelley asked for “clarification of the NCAA’s position regarding the relationship between the University of North Dakota and the NCAA (with specific reference to the 2007 settlement agreement).”

Kelley also asked “whether the NCAA is willing to revisit, in any aspect, the terms of the agreement,” given that the university “will be bound by state law” after Aug. 1 when a new state law requiring retention of the name and logo takes effect.

In a response dated and received today, Bernard Franklin, NCAA vice president of membership and student-athlete affairs, said the association’s position remains firm.

“The NCAA’s position regarding its relationship with the State of North Dakota on this issue is set forth in the parties’ binding settlement agreement signed Oct. 26, 2007,” Franklin wrote.

“In that document, it was agreed that the policy will apply to North Dakota unless North Dakota either (1) secures namesake approval by Nov. 30, 2010, or (2) transitions away from the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo before Aug. 15, 2011.”

The state “did not obtain necessary support from the identified Sioux tribes,” he noted, and Kelley’s letter on Friday “makes clear that North Dakota will not transition from the current nickname and logo.”

Consequently, “North Dakota will be subject to the provisions of the policy,” Franklin wrote.

Those provisions include sanctions barring UND teams from hosting post-season tournaments or wearing proscribed attire during such tournaments.

The new North Dakota law “cannot change the NCAA policy nor alter the contracted terms of the agreement,” Franklin wrote.[Click to view]

Every since Dr. Robert O. Kelley was hired on as the president of the University of North Dakota I have been less than impressed with his leadership, I have yet to see him show any leadership qualities that I find redeeming. What the heck did the hiring athority like in this guy that made them decide that he was their guy?

I would not be an understatement to say that I am uninspired by Dr. Kelley’s leadership, to date he has done nothing but act as if he was above the fray, as if to say, I didn’t create this mess, please help me. In reading this article as well as the one from last Friday, it looks like Kelley is seeking a life line from the NCAA… Be a leader... Or get the heck out of the way. You work for the people of North Dakota but also the University of North Dakota, that means you're public servant and you answer to the people of North Dakota first.

Denver Post condones Malone headline.

As you know the Denver Post is known for using objectionable titles like this; Avalanche signs Brad Malone, whose hit broke the neck of DU's Martin, to their sports section articles. This is my example of drive-by-journalism at it's best by their beat writers. Is the Denver Post hurting this bad for readers?

This is why I think Sioux fans are lucky; we are blessed a great beat writer in Brad Schlossman and you would never seen anything classless like this come from him or anyone at the Grand Forks Herald in their sports department. You sure as heck wouldn't see it from Virg Foss...

-----Original Message-----
From: [mailto:thegoon48@gra.midco.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2011 2:01 PM
To: Mailbags
Subject: Avalanche Question

Name: Eric B

email: thegoon48@gra.midco.net

hometown: Grand Forks, ND

Question: Why would the Denver Post try to stir up discontent with
Fighting Sioux fans with their latest title; Avalanche signs Brad
Malone, whose hit broke the neck of DU's Martin... Is that really
necessary?


------------------------------
Here is the response to that email...

Hey Eric, I'm gonna sneak in here to answer this because it's a good
question. And Adrian wasn't involved in that headline. I'd like to
answer you, because I know North Dakota fans were upset.

We here actually talked about the story you're referencing when it hit,
because Colorado went through a similar situation with Steve Moore. But
for the context of Brad Malone's signing, that is how most fans in this
area know him. Fans in North Dakota know him differently. The Avs sign
players all the time, and often they're unknown at first to a majority
of NHL fans. But for Malone, readers in Colorado actually have a context
for him.

Also, I'm sure UND fans see something subjective in that headline. But
to be honest, we don't care one way or the other about DU rivalries, in
so far as who wins. And we're not interested in stirring up UND fans.
But for the Malone hit on Jesse Martin, it was penalized and Martin
broke his neck. Those are facts. Thus the headline.

I hope this lends some perspective. Thank you for the question. I'll
make sure Adrian sees it too ... -Nick

Nick Groke
Sports online editor
The Denver Post
303-954-1015
ngroke@denverpost.com

Tampa Bay Hack Steve Downie and Pittsburgh Chris Kunitz suspended for one game by the NHL.

The Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice has spun and the NHL has given Lighting Hack Steven Downie and Chris Kunitz a one game suspension. In Steve Downies’ case he is a repeat offender and I believe his hit was more egregious and deserved more than a flimsy one game suspension. The Chris Kunitz hit was dirty but he isn’t known for being a dirty player like Steve Downie is. Brett Hull was XM-204 this morning and basically said until one of these players is eliminated from the NHL playoffs there will continue to be questionable hits like this in the playoffs. This was an opportunity for the NHL to make a point but they failed in the Steve Downie incident.

NHL.COM --- According to TSN reports, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Chris Kunitz and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steve Downie have each been suspended one game by the NHL for their actions during Game 3 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal-round series on Monday.

Downie's ban comes as the result of a charge on Penguins defenseman Ben Lovejoy during the first period. He was going to be assessed a minor penalty on the play, but the Penguins scored a goal before the Lightning were able to gain possession of the puck for the whistle to be blown.

Kunitz connected with an elbow to the head of Lightning forward Simon Gagne on a separate play in the first period of what ended up a 3-2 win for the Penguins. They hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series with Game 4 back in Tampa on Wednesday.

Drew Stafford with a pretty goal...

Former Fighting Sioux and current Buffalo Sabres forward Drew Stafford with a beautiful highlight goal against the Philadelphia Flyers... The Flyers won the game 4-2 and lead the series two games to one.

Chris Kunitz elbow on Simon Gagne

I saw the TV angle of the Chris Kunitz elbow of Simon Gagne and in my opinion this blatant vicious elbow that warrants at least a game suspension maybe a two game suspension. Of course with the Raffie Torres ruling today, who the heck knows where the Colin Campbell Wheel of Justice will land.

Rink and Run nugget...

I like this idea and yes please... If true this would be a counter weight/punch to the Big Ten Hockey Conference farce.

Rink and Run --- As noted in a comment to a Rink and Run post, there was a buzz at the Frozen Four in St. Paul about the future of Division I hockey, considering the formation of the Big Ten league in 2013-14.

Talk centered on more possible fracturing of the WCHA and the CCHA, with speculation on the formation of another six-team league with Notre Dame, North Dakota, Nebraska-Omaha, Denver, Colorado College and Miami of Ohio.

It’s expected that Notre Dame will soon announce intentions to leave the CCHA, without having a spot in another league, yet. WCHA officials did meet with Notre Dame at the Frozen Four.

Jeff Carter goal on Ryan Miller.

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

Edit - What a goal scorers move by Flyers forward Jeff Carter, as he makes one of the best goaltenders in the NHL look human as he used the defenseman's stick in front of him to deflect the puck past Miller...

Vancouver Canucks forward Raffi Torres gets off Scott free... No suspension coming...

The NHL has decided that it will not suspend Raffi Torres for this hit on Brent Seabrook, of course the Vancouver Canucks fans are happy with this ruling. I think this was a dangerous hit and that some kind of a fine or suspension was warranted. What do you think?

TSN.CA STAFF --- Vancouver Canucks forward Raffi Torres will have no further discipline assessed following his hit on Blackhawks' defenceman Brent Seabrook during Game 3 of their series on Sunday night.

There was no scheduled hearing with the league on Monday. The NHL's Hockey Operations department said that the rule did not violate Rule 48, which provides an interpretation that the area behind the net is designated as a "hitting area".

Torres caught Seabrook with a shoulder to the head during a collision behind Chicago's net midway through the second period. The Vancouver player was given an interference penalty on the play.

More on the canceled 22 April meeting with the NCAA.

Listen to Scott Hennen's of Common Sense Club 1100 A.M. the Flag as he discussed the NCAA backing out of the meeting that was supposed to take place on the 22nd of April 2011...There are some really good points that haven’t been taken into account. [Click to listen]

Cool NCAA Frozen Four Video.

Dell offered a contract by the Habs.

Scout.com

According to the David Marcoux, Aaron Dell was offered a contract by the Montreal Canadians. The Fighting Sioux are also waiting for word from other players whether or not they are going to return for their senior season. There is a chance that the Fighting might not have many seniors on next season's Fighting Sioux hockey team, if Ben Blood, Jason Gregiore and Brett Hextall sign professional deals.

Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald ---- As UND waits for decisions on whether several drafted players will turn pro or return to school, there is an undrafted player who is attracting NHL attention, according to one person.

Sophomore goalie Aaron Dell, who went undrafted, has received a two-year contract offer from the Montreal Canadiens, according to goalie coach David Marcoux, who is based out of Dell’s home providence of Alberta. That’s not to say that Dell will definitely sign that contract, but add Dell to the long list of players to watch this offseason.

Dell had an outstanding season, finishing first nationally in goals-against average, wins and shutouts. He was named the INCH national goaltender of the year and a second-team All-American.

Raffi Torres Hit On Brent Seabrook

Raffi Torres just got back from a four game suspension and he goes out and does this hit on Brent Seabrook, I predict there is going to be another call from the NHL and possibly another unpaid vacation from the NHL for Raffi Torres.

REDWING77 Playoff Update

So far so good!

My Wings are up 2-0 over the 'Yotes and my only regret is that my Wings will knock off a great coach in Dave Tippett. Get rid of Tippett and Phoenix can rot for all I care.

This game, however, was a bit closer than Game 1 in my opinion. We barely hung on to our lead and Datsyuk was lights out with 1 goal and 3 assists.. Yup. He figured in on ALL of Detroit's points last night. That brings me to my claim:

If this is what Detroit looks like day in and day out in the playoffs.... Detroit won't win the Cup. Deep teams that play a well rounded game AND get the best of what they're given win championships. Teams that have it, but only have 1 line that can reliably "bring it" will find the road to the Cup almost impassible. This is what Detroit is doing right now.

They have great depth and veteran leadership. They are dynamic and fun to watch. However... Howard is still relatively inexperienced against playoff caliber opposition in the playoffs and, though he's more than capable of shutting down opponents, he's not done so consistently in the playoffs. And it's mainly been one line that has taken charge. This means, thus far, the Wings aren't blowing anyone away, so the Wings are making Howard work for the win.

The Wings SHOULDN'T have any trouble with Phoenix, but (though the Wings ARE winning) they aren't shutting them down. This does not bode well.

On a separate Detroit note:

As Goon pointed out, the NHL has banned the tossing of octopi onto the ice pregame. I think this was a marvelous move by the NHL. It turns the league into what Bettman truly wishes the league could be: The NBA on ice skates.

Truth be told, traditions are under attack. UND's traditions are under attack and now this tradition is under attack. Next up is the hats.

In fact, I remember the WCHA or NCAA briefly tried to ban throwing hats on the ice after hat tricks stating that the officials first warn the crowd and then assess the home team a 2 minute minor for delay of game. To this day, I can't understand why opposing fans didn't throw stuff on the ice just to get their team up a man.

This ban is all about image, but I wonder: If Bettman's beloved Penguins had a tradition that had people throwing something onto the ice during the pregame or after the first Pittsburgh goal, would this rule still come about? I'm truly not taking a jab at the Penguins as much as I'm pointing at Bettman's hypocrisy and inept incompetence when it comes to consistency.

In other news:

Chicago and Boston are done. Boston has NEVER, not in 26 tries, overcame a 2-0 deficit in the playoffs. In Chicago, Crawford isn't stealing games like Niemi did last year. Crawford isn't bad, but he's not the netminder du jour.

As for Boston, it pisses me off to see 2-0 and 3-1 defeats because it makes Carey Price look good. The guy is a dunderhead and, though he's doing extremely well this year, I can't stand the guy. Like I said, I hope he gets an extension after this season ala Dipietro and proceeds to pull a Huet-job on the Habs. I just pray that the Habs dont' win the Cup or Price will NEVER fade away.

Pittsburgh vs. Tampa:

COMON TAMPA!!!!! Seriously, 3 reasons why Tampa NEEDS to win:

1. Fleury's a sieve... look at game 2.
2. It would stop NHL Network's persistent whining about how Crosby isn't playing.
3. Matt Cooke needs his season to end and the only two ways that happens is if the Pens are eliminated after the first round or he injures another player. I don't want to see any more injuries so... GO TAMPA!!!

Caps vs. Rangers:

Rangers need someone to show up... SOMEONE! Caps are going to sweep at this pace.

That's allll folks!

Crosby to return to the Penguins lineup?

Sidney Crosby was injured on Wednesday January 5th by this hit from behind by Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman and Crosby hasn't played since the questionable hit. At the time of his concussion Crosby had (32g-34a-66 pts)in 41 games. The face of the NHL "could" make his return to the ice in the near future, Gary Bettman is probably having kitten hoping Crosby plays and the Penguins' make it more than one round.

PITTSBURGH -- Sidney Crosby still isn’t ready to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup, playoffs or not.

Crosby skated on a fifth line with Mike Comrie and Eric Godard during the Penguins’ morning skate in advance of Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series against Tampa Bay on Friday. But the Penguins’ captain is not ready to take part in any drills with contact.

Crosby, out since Jan. 6 with a concussion, can’t begin thinking about returning to the Penguins’ top line until he first can absorb contact in practice. Even after he does that, he must be cleared by his doctors to play.

The Penguins have not speculated when that might be, and they have given no sign that he will play at any point during the Tampa Bay series.

Coach Dan Bylsma doesn’t believe Crosby is pressuring himself to return sooner than he should.

Crosby wore a headset during Game 1 while sitting in the press box with assistant to the general manager Tom Fitzgerald and goalies coach Gilles Meloche.

“I have not sensed any kind of pressure on Sid that he feels, based on the fact it’s playoffs or that it’s this time of the year, to get back earlier,” Bylsma said. “Actually he’s more in tune with watching the games and what we can do and what adjustments are they making and those types of things. I haven’t sensed anything to do with Sid trying to get back earlier, feeling that pressure, not one bit.”