FARK.com: (6823428) Traitor to the sport of hockey says concussions are out of control, fighting and hits to the head must go, and that the current commissioner isn't an idiot. So, now Gary Bettman is writing articles...wait...the author is Ken Dryden?

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		Traitor to the sport of hockey says concussions are out of control, fighting and hits to the head must go, and that the current commissioner isn't an idiot. So, now Gary Bettman is writing articles...wait...the author is Ken Dryden? (grantland.com)		75
		More: Interesting, Gary Bettman, concussion, Derek Boogaard, Chris Kunitz, David Krejci, Winnipeg Jets, National Football League Experience, Big Red

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WhyteRaven74

2011-12-17 10:32:13 AM

Barry Melrose said the same thing about the concussions and hits to the head on ESPN the other day. He said the punishments must be so severe that anyone who gets them will never do anything to get one again. There's really an interesting contrast developing between the NFL and NHL when it comes to head injuries.

protectyourlimbs

2011-12-17 10:42:40 AM

If you take fighting or hitting out of the NHL you lose a lot of fans. I understand the fines, suspensions for dirty hits but you gotta be kidding me with this new studies show that professional athletes can get injured playing a physical game...

hell, if your going to do that then skip right over the IHL style and just figure skate...

Unright

2011-12-17 10:43:15 AM

Ken Dryden is still alive?

/Not wishing ill, just.. surprised.

swahnhennessy

2011-12-17 10:47:39 AM

No one is for taking hits out of the game. Head shots, yes. Hits, no.

As for fighting, I couldn't care less one way or another. If it gets banned next month I won't care. If it stays in the game, I won't care. My enjoyment of hockey doesn't hinge on the fights. And I don't think I am in the minority.

/insert customary Alberta quip here

pregerstheHobo

2011-12-17 10:48:09 AM

protectyourlimbs: If you take fighting or hitting out of the NHL you lose a lot of fans. I understand the fines, suspensions for dirty hits but you gotta be kidding me with this new studies show that professional athletes can get injured playing a physical game...

hell, if your going to do that then skip right over the IHL style and just figure skate...

Hear hear.

JosephFinn

2011-12-17 10:56:44 AM

For farks sake, if you only follow a sport because some lowlifes in it fight, I have no hope for you.

/that said, the story's part of Bettman having more metaphysical duties due to NHL being popular in Canada was goofy as hell.

Outrageous Muff

2011-12-17 10:58:56 AM

You mean the addition of what is essentially armor has allowed players to increase the ferocity with which they hit, thus causing players to not learn proper checking skills at an early age?

legion_of_doo

2011-12-17 11:15:30 AM

Look, if a modern NHL franchise can afford to carry a pure fighter on their roster, they aren't going to win much. You just can't have that much of a liability on your side when you need to be able to roll 4 lines that have some skill.

Throwing out the instigator in a fight isn't enough of a penalty? That's laughable.

We need more severe penalties for head shots, sure. However, cheap shots need to go as well. Taking more fights out of the equation did not help that.

Steve Moore getting spazzed by Spaztuzzi was bad... but that's not a fight issue. That was a cheap shot issue from the league allowing 4th liners to run 1st liners like Naslund.

There are too many chippy little cheap shot artists with some degree of scoring skill. I think that's a way bigger problem than the few pure fighters left to the NHL.

Moosecakes

2011-12-17 11:42:29 AM

The NHL has already taken a lot of steps to prevent concussions and deter hits to the head. We're not seeing more hits to the head or concussions now, it's just being reported more and the proper steps are being taken to prevent it. Let's everybody stop freaking out. The steps have already been taken and there's not much more you can do at this point except outlaw hitting altogether or requiring players to wear pillows as helmets.

As much as I hate Gary Bettman, he's been doing right on this concussion thing.

dark_canuckistani

2011-12-17 11:46:54 AM

Unright: Ken Dryden is still alive?

/Not wishing ill, just.. surprised.

Alive and well; he was actually an active politician up until this past May, when his political party went down to its worst defeat in history.

/though it's Canada so it doesn't really count

Rik01

2011-12-17 12:02:46 PM

I never have understood the lure of conventional hockey.

(I'm lying. I understand that it's the same thing that draws fans to TV wrestling matches and Ultimate Fighter shows. Unmitigated brutality and hostility and the 'joy' of watching people beat themselves bloody.)

Though when you consider the average professional hockey player, you forget he has to have mad ice skating skills, lightening fast reflexes, exceptional stamina, excellent vision and the ability to hit this small, dense object with a stick while flying over the ice.

In reality, remove all of the clubbing each other, fist fights, slamming opponents into walls, knocking each other's teeth out, breaking bones, slicing each other up with the sharp skates and generally acting like enraged chimpanzees -- there's a beauty to the actual game.

I used to find collegiate wrestling interesting ages ago and wondered why anyone would enjoy 'Professional' wrestling, obviously scripted and staged and, years ago, mainly staffed by aggressive fat men. It went from a test of skill to a display of ludicrous actions and ape-like posing.

Boxing, I understood, due to the intensive training in that sport and the skills involved.

Watching professional skaters skate is like watching a graceful dance, they just glide over the ice. Speed skating doesn't interest me. Hockey players need all of the skills of professional skaters and more. After all, most professional skaters don't have a host of other people randomly moving across the ice to watch out for.
Then it dawned on me.

Blood lust. The same thing that drew the Romans to the coliseum to make a family day of watching people hack each other into bloody chunks.

Folks don't go to hockey games for the exceptional skills on display, but to watch guys pound each other bloody and act like a$$holes. Kind of like die hard racing fans go watch car races not just for the thrill of seeing powerful machines, but the secret hope of seeing one or more crash and burst into a fireball.

We actually haven't come that far from the Roman times. We're just better at it and have more interesting ways to have people publicly fighting with equipment that gives them a much higher chance of survival.

Unfortunately, though hockey players are heavily 'armored' hits to the head can still do damage. One serious thing discovered from professional boxing was that repeated hits to the head, aside from causing various forms of brain damage, can lead to Alzheimer's. A concussion is a bruise to the brain.

Think of it as repeatedly dropping your laptop. Eventually, it's not going to work right. Old boxers were often 'punch drunk', meaning they had acquired enough concussions over their careers to cause permanent brain damage.

Hockey is probably headed in that direction. Especially since it's gone from a game of skill to a game of display, like professional wrestling.

rka

2011-12-17 12:07:35 PM

legion_of_doo: That was a cheap shot issue from the league allowing 4th liners to run 1st liners like Naslund.

Tell Naslund to stop skating down on one knee as he plays the puck into the zone. Maybe he wouldn't get hit in the head.

Moore didn't do a damn thing wrong.

Cornelius Dribble

2011-12-17 12:08:35 PM

Funny how since helmets have been become mandatory in the NHL, the number of concussions has gone up. Meanwhile, head injuries in the heavily-armored game of football are a much greater problem than in the lightly-padded game of rugby.

Could it be that the illusion of safety provided by thin layers of foam and plastic leads to a counterproductively greater number of severe blows to the head?

rka

2011-12-17 12:12:41 PM

Cornelius Dribble: Funny how since helmets have been become mandatory in the NHL, the number of concussions has gone up

How do you know that?

Just because no one would dare tell Toe Blake that he was woozy after a game doesn't mean there were less concussions.

northgrave

2011-12-17 12:19:36 PM

Ken Dryden has been pretty progressive with his thinking on hockey matters. Not all that surprising when you consider that he was a part of a Habs team noted for it's skill, whose rival was a Flyer's team noted for it' bully'ness.

As for fights - Most hockey fights are really boring. This is not an invite to reply with a YouTube of your favorite fight. Most fights are boring wastes of time that drag games on.

And finally - I'm not sure it's the gear that's responsible for concussions as the NHL level. There have been quite a few elbows and shoulders into heads. Some of it is the relatively new difference in the size of players and some of it is just dirtiness. Dryden is right though - if it's change in player behaviour you want, the penalties have to be as debilitating to a players income as the hits are to those injured. If I were a marginal player in the NHL who earned millions of $ for my ability to be tough, a 10-20-$30,000 fine or 5 game suspension is just an acceptable/necessary cost of doing business.

/ Still play fat old guy hockey

Quigs

2011-12-17 12:24:30 PM

I dunno. Just enforce malicious attempts. Malkin, after a play, away from the puck, tries to concuss Giroux's head off, but since Jenny is on bettmans golden team, nothing happens. Which means next game, there's a high chance the flyers send out some nobody 4th liner to board Crosby.

Its the leagues haphazard enforcement that has lead to so many injuries.

TheLopper

2011-12-17 12:24:50 PM

If you kick Raffi Torres out of the league, concussions will be cut in half.

/just a start.

expobill

2011-12-17 12:30:51 PM

the nhl wants this!
i saw the sport change drastically from the Guy Lafluers, Denis Savards and a kid named Wayne who skated and passed the puck with skill and accuracy to seeing these 6'3" 200 lbs hitting machines dump and check that these general managers demand in June.
i don't watch or know hockey like i used to, perhaps the strikes- or the game is not what i was used to watching.
Hopefully the Edmonton Oiler's kids can change the sport back again.

Trocadero

2011-12-17 12:42:14 PM

Just make hockey and football players apply for a valid boxing license and have done w/ it.

fatalvenom

2011-12-17 12:42:58 PM

Moosecakes: The NHL has already taken a lot of steps to prevent concussions and deter hits to the head. We're not seeing more hits to the head or concussions now, it's just being reported more and the proper steps are being taken to prevent it. Let's everybody stop freaking out. The steps have already been taken and there's not much more you can do at this point except outlaw hitting altogether or requiring players to wear pillows as helmets.

As much as I hate Gary Bettman, he's been doing right on this concussion thing.

This.

It was a pretty well written article though.

pregerstheHobo

2011-12-17 01:09:35 PM

For all those saying hockey fans are only in it for the bloodlust, I say you have never actually watched our played a game all the way through.

There is beauty in a goaltender standing on his head. In tic-tac-toe passes. In triple dekes and defensive collapses. The players moving fluidly, all twelve in synch chasing a dream of holding damned silver chalice.

Big hits at the right moment are also beautiful, and part of the game. They're not the only reason we watch. We watch the game because, in its entirety, it is an awesome sight. A marvel of skill and dedication to the game.

Do I like hits? Yes, they have a place. Just like one-timers, wrist shots and sacrificing your body to block a 100mph slapper.

So shut your piehole about boxing, roman gladiators, and goons. If that is all you see then you are missing the point.

hitmanric

2011-12-17 01:30:31 PM

I understand the idea of eliminating cheap shots to the head. The issue is what about the clean hits? What is the biggest thing drilled into you when you get to the full contact levels of hockey? KEEP YOUR HEAD UP! Apart from the dirty hits to the head alot of the head injuries are caused by someone admiring a pass or skating with their head down. If ALL players were more mindful of their surroundings this wouldn't be such an issue.

fatalvenom

2011-12-17 01:33:44 PM

pregerstheHobo: For all those saying hockey fans are only in it for the bloodlust, I say you have never actually watched our played a game all the way through.

There is beauty in a goaltender standing on his head. In tic-tac-toe passes. In triple dekes and defensive collapses. The players moving fluidly, all twelve in synch chasing a dream of holding damned silver chalice.

Big hits at the right moment are also beautiful, and part of the game. They're not the only reason we watch. We watch the game because, in its entirety, it is an awesome sight. A marvel of skill and dedication to the game.

Do I like hits? Yes, they have a place. Just like one-timers, wrist shots and sacrificing your body to block a 100mph slapper.

So shut your piehole about boxing, roman gladiators, and goons. If that is all you see then you are missing the point.

Could not have said it better myself, Sir.

/Bruins are putting the hurt on the Flyers right now
//gameday thread?

Quigs

2011-12-17 01:37:32 PM

Giroux, Pronger, and bryz are the faces of the winter classic for the flyers. 2 of those are out with concussions.

Lifeless

2011-12-17 01:42:18 PM

expobill

2011-12-17 01:50:07 PM

yeay sturridge

Lifeless

2011-12-17 01:56:59 PM

Good lord what a shot Couturier just took

swahnhennessy

2011-12-17 01:57:35 PM

Quigs: Giroux, Pronger, and bryz are the faces of the winter classic for the flyers. 2 of those are out with concussions.

HBO is probably crying over the loss of Pronger. I'd venture to say he was 75% of the reason the Flyers were chosen in the first place.

Malcolm_Sex

2011-12-17 02:15:06 PM

You mean they loosened the definition of what a concussion is and now they're becoming more frequent? I am shocked.

S.A.S.Q.U.A.T.C.H.

2011-12-17 02:26:45 PM

Does MMA or Boxing or Football recieve this type of grandstanding scrutiny on head injuries, when theirs are way more and way worse? No. People understand it's part of the sport. The NHL, the little kid on the block always vying for attention, is so easily bullied around by nonsense and nonfans it's embarassing. So quick to change their stripes to appease.

Gotta love how people not even involved in hockey can be telling us that the game needs to be changed or things removed.

It's a dangersous sport. If you don't want to soil your panties, do us a favor and just not show up, go watch your ghey-ass baseball.

jekostas

2011-12-17 02:33:00 PM

Claude Giroux. Sidney Crosby. Chris Pronger. Milan Michalek. Zybnek Michalek. Jeff Skinner. Ryan Wilson. Nino Neiderreiter. Marc Savard. Joni Pitkanen. Jay Harrison. Peter Mueller. Radek Martinek. Marcel Goc. Guillame Latendresse. Brian Rolston. Steve Staios. Marc Staal. Michael Sauer. Ian Laperriere. Kurt Sauer. Kris Letang. Andy McDonald. Ryan Miller.

I don't care what the reasons are. Lowered threshold, faster game, harder equipment, lack of respect, etc.

That's a goddamned scary list.

Also, Jacques Martin got canned this morning.

swahnhennessy

2011-12-17 02:36:21 PM

S.A.S.Q.U.A.T.C.H.: Does MMA or Boxing or Football recieve this type of grandstanding scrutiny on head injuries, when theirs are way more and way worse?

I don't even pay attention to the NFL any more, but even I know that they had a huge to-do a few seasons ago regarding hits to the head and player safety. As for MMA and boxing, concussions are the entire point.

keylock71

2011-12-17 02:39:54 PM

Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

fatalvenom

2011-12-17 02:44:23 PM

keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

This game was really chippy for the first period and a half. It's kinda settled down now. Philly put their tail between their legs it seems.

jekostas

2011-12-17 02:47:22 PM

fatalvenom: keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

This game was really chippy for the first period and a half. It's kinda settled down now. Philly put their tail between their legs it seems.

Right up until Milan Lucic boards Zac Rinaldo, and Rinaldo gets up and beats the ever-living crap out of Nathan Horton.

keylock71

2011-12-17 02:48:47 PM

fatalvenom: keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

This game was really chippy for the first period and a half. It's kinda settled down now. Philly put their tail between their legs it seems.

Still got a little fight in them, I suspect... Few nice bouts in this game.

Chara with the Gordy Howe hat trick in his first game back.

5 and 10 for Looch. Uh oh...

S.A.S.Q.U.A.T.C.H.

2011-12-17 02:50:11 PM

keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

Oh shat, I forgot the B's were even playing. Damn afternoon games before Christmas. Can't wait to see this recap on 24/7.

keylock71

2011-12-17 02:51:51 PM

S.A.S.Q.U.A.T.C.H.: keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

Oh shat, I forgot the B's were even playing. Damn afternoon games before Christmas. Can't wait to see this recap on 24/7.

Good game... If you're a Bruins' fan.

keylock71

2011-12-17 02:54:03 PM

11th game this year the Bruins have scored 5 or more goals in a game.

december

2011-12-17 03:15:46 PM

protectyourlimbs: If you take fighting ~~or hitting~~ out of the NHL you lose a lot of fans.

there is no evidence for that claim.

Evil Canadian

2011-12-17 03:26:01 PM

expobill: the nhl wants this!
i saw the sport change drastically from the Guy Lafluers, Denis Savards and a kid named Wayne who skated and passed the puck with skill and accuracy to seeing these 6'3" 200 lbs hitting machines dump and check that these general managers demand in June.
i don't watch or know hockey like i used to, perhaps the strikes- or the game is not what i was used to watching.
Hopefully the Edmonton Oiler's kids can change the sport back again.

The Guy Lafleurs et al were the guys I remember very well - but you have to also remember the Broad Street Bullies of the same era. Personally though, I preferred the Flying Frenchmen in Montreal.

I don't watch much pro hockey anymore. Between over expansion and dilution of talent, I really don't have all that much interest these days. I do understand where Ken Dryden is coming from though. He is an intelligent commentator, well reasoned and has played the game, and at a very high level. This blind siding and cheap shotting is one of the other reasons I don't particularly care for watching hockey these days. I don't know, but somehow the game of fast offense, gorgeous passes and finesse is missing right now. It may be because of dilution of talent, or it may be just the "evolution" of the game.

It's not that there were not cheap shots in the past. Heck players have lost their entire careers as a result of cheap shots (see Ace Bailey - that was not a 21st century hit..)

Now that we have a clue of the results of repeated rough play to the short term (see Crosby) and longer term health of players, it is something that has to be addressed. The game will change again. I won't miss fighting - it was never the reason I watched the game. In fact, if hockey becomes more of a skill based game rather than the cheap shot arena that it has become, I might be more willing to go back to watching the game again.

/Yes I am the bad Canadian who doesn't care about hockey.
//It's sad that Crosby's career is going to be really short. Like him or not, he is pretty fun to watch and a good ad for the type of hockey I like.

keylock71

2011-12-17 03:41:58 PM

That was a thumpin'...

First in the East.

Let's Go Bruins!

fatalvenom

2011-12-17 03:49:57 PM

jekostas: fatalvenom: keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

This game was really chippy for the first period and a half. It's kinda settled down now. Philly put their tail between their legs it seems.

Right up until Milan Lucic boards Zac Rinaldo, and Rinaldo gets up and beats the ever-living crap out of Nathan Horton.

Meh...Horton isn't really a fighter.

That was a fun game though. Chara with the upper-cut and take down was funny.

The way the Bruins are scoring goals with depth...I'm a happy B's fan.

/not to mention the PP doesn't look like a CIV

expobill

2011-12-17 03:54:17 PM

Evil Canadian
no thing strange, a lot of my friends have lost interest in the NHL and the style of play.
David Bidini wrote a book about how horrible the cup finals in 1999 were.
personally, i just feel the shooting skill level has diminished, most game i do watch I'm always thinking "why did the player rush his shot?, he has a couple of seconds to aim for the mesh".
NBC promoting and tracking player hits was something that was irrelevant during the late 20 century.

jekostas

2011-12-17 04:20:13 PM

fatalvenom: jekostas: fatalvenom: keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

This game was really chippy for the first period and a half. It's kinda settled down now. Philly put their tail between their legs it seems.

Right up until Milan Lucic boards Zac Rinaldo, and Rinaldo gets up and beats the ever-living crap out of Nathan Horton.

Meh...Horton isn't really a fighter.

That was a fun game though. Chara with the upper-cut and take down was funny.

The way the Bruins are scoring goals with depth...I'm a happy B's fan.

/not to mention the PP doesn't look like a CIV

It doesn't bother you that because of the way the Bruins play, other teams are starting to target their better players? Rinaldo going after Horton is a good example. You know, a guy you call not fighter, but also just came off a rather major head injury.

I can't even count how many guys have ended up in Thomas' lap since Lucic hit Miller, the Flyers certainly started ending up in his crease a lot more from the middle of the second period onwards.

Doc Daneeka

2011-12-17 04:36:04 PM

FYI, Ken Dryden's book The Game is one of the best sports books you will read. Any sport.

keylock71

2011-12-17 04:38:09 PM

jekostas: fatalvenom: jekostas: fatalvenom: keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

This game was really chippy for the first period and a half. It's kinda settled down now. Philly put their tail between their legs it seems.

Right up until Milan Lucic boards Zac Rinaldo, and Rinaldo gets up and beats the ever-living crap out of Nathan Horton.

Meh...Horton isn't really a fighter.

That was a fun game though. Chara with the upper-cut and take down was funny.

The way the Bruins are scoring goals with depth...I'm a happy B's fan.

/not to mention the PP doesn't look like a CIV

It doesn't bother you that because of the way the Bruins play, other teams are starting to target their better players? Rinaldo going after Horton is a good example. You know, a guy you call not fighter, but also just came off a rather major head injury.

I can't even count how many guys have ended up in Thomas' lap since Lucic hit Miller, the Flyers certainly started ending up in his crease a lot more from the middle of the second period onwards.

Eh... Wasn't much of an ass beating really... Definitely got the better of Horton.

Thomas didn't seemed bothered by any antics in the crease.

Doesn't seem like anything more than what usually goes on especially in s Boston/Philly match up. I'm certainly not seeing ant "targeting" anyway.

If there has been, the Bruins have responded well... And scored goals in bunches to boot.

Anderson's Pooper

2011-12-17 04:40:10 PM

I've been watching the NHL since the late 70's. I have noticed three MAJOR changes in the last 10 years.

1. Players are bigger, faster and stronger than they were in the 80's.
2. Equipment is bigger and harder than ever.
3. Players, teams and the NHL are all more aware of the potential problems with head injuries.

These changes result in the following:

1. Hits have more momentum than ever before. F=ma : Force = mass*acceleration. Larger bodies travelling at a higher rate of speed cause more impact.
2. "Protective" equipment may help the player wearing it but it is often used as a weapon, especially shoulder pads.
3. Any time a player gets dinged they are taken off and evaluated. 20 years ago you were back on the ice as soon as you could stand.

My suggestions:

1. International ice size. A larger surface will reduce the amount of hitting. You're not going to get smaller players.
2. Make the Shanahan style pads the standard for everyone. Eliminate the armor.
3. Continue evaluating players in game. Also the NHL should back scientific research to increase the safety of their players.

That said I LOVE seeing a clean open ice hit that levels a puck carrier and if two guys want to drop the gloves I'll be banging the glass with the rest of the fans.

GO HOCKEY!

ontariolightning

2011-12-17 04:40:27 PM

jekostas: Claude Giroux. Sidney Crosby. Chris Pronger. Milan Michalek. Zybnek Michalek. Jeff Skinner. Ryan Wilson. Nino Neiderreiter. Marc Savard. Joni Pitkanen. Jay Harrison. Peter Mueller. Radek Martinek. Marcel Goc. Guillame Latendresse. Brian Rolston. Steve Staios. Marc Staal. Michael Sauer. Ian Laperriere. Kurt Sauer. Kris Letang. Andy McDonald. Ryan Miller.

I don't care what the reasons are. Lowered threshold, faster game, harder equipment, lack of respect, etc.

That's a goddamned scary list.

Also, Jacques Martin got canned this morning.
You forgot James Reimer

jekostas

2011-12-17 04:45:51 PM

keylock71: jekostas: fatalvenom: jekostas: fatalvenom: keylock71: Hits to the head need to go. I like the fighting, but I can see how some folks are against it. If they take it out, I will still enjoy the game as always, though.

I'm really enjoying the beating the Bruins are laying on Philly right now. 5-0.

This game was really chippy for the first period and a half. It's kinda settled down now. Philly put their tail between their legs it seems.

Right up until Milan Lucic boards Zac Rinaldo, and Rinaldo gets up and beats the ever-living crap out of Nathan Horton.

Meh...Horton isn't really a fighter.

That was a fun game though. Chara with the upper-cut and take down was funny.

The way the Bruins are scoring goals with depth...I'm a happy B's fan.

/not to mention the PP doesn't look like a CIV

It doesn't bother you that because of the way the Bruins play, other teams are starting to target their better players? Rinaldo going after Horton is a good example. You know, a guy you call not fighter, but also just came off a rather major head injury.

I can't even count how many guys have ended up in Thomas' lap since Lucic hit Miller, the Flyers certainly started ending up in his crease a lot more from the middle of the second period onwards.

Eh... Wasn't much of an ass beating really... Definitely got the better of Horton.

Thomas didn't seemed bothered by any antics in the crease.

Doesn't seem like anything more than what usually goes on especially in s Boston/Philly match up. I'm certainly not seeing ant "targeting" anyway.

If there has been, the Bruins have responded well... And scored goals in bunches to boot.

Ain't just the Flyers. Or Buffalo. Joe Vitale took a couple pretty healthy runs at Thomas a few games ago, and then proceeded to fight Campbell afterwards.

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