Entries with the tag: florida+panthers

The Game Must Go On—But at What Price?

Watching the Sabres/Panthers matchup on Sunday, the accidental slash of Olli Jokinen’s skate blade into the throat of Richard Zednik was a terrible sight for all who witnessed it, much less to experience the horror first-hand as Zednik did.

Fortunately, all indications are that Zednik is doing fine so far.  In a state of what must surely have been shock, he moved towards the bench following some internal autopilot as a trainer came out to put pressure on the wound, slowing the blood coming from his throat.  He left the arena and was quickly in surgery, apparently stabilized according to reports.

But one has to wonder at the rationale to let this game continue after such a brutal incident. The show must go on? Perhaps, but who exactly should be deciding that?  And was it really the best decision?

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Hockey Players Can’t Act

As a hockey fan, I’ll admit that I have a tendency to act morally superior to fans of all other games—as if “my” sport and “my” players are better than all others. 

I’m told I suffer from Arrogant Hockey Fan Syndrome to some extent (which might be defined as: “the rabid belief that no other sport is anywhere near as fun as a hockey game” or “hockey players can do no wrong” or “everyone seems to hate us, but we know we’re better than you” etc).  But who can blames us? If nothing else, the NFL, NBA and MLB certainly make it easy for an NHL fan to feel morally superior lately.

But there is one arena in which being a hockey fan really doesn’t provide one with much to brag about: acting. And nearly all related efforts at self promotion have been downright scary.  Which brings me to Exhibit #1…

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