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what an f’n joke

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 01:13 PM ET

Downie was better off finishing off the job by whacking McAmmond across the face with his stick

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 01:15 PM ET

The double standards continue to grow with this chickensh*t organization known as the NHL.

Chris Pronger gets a single game for putting players out of action during the playoffs, but Downie gets 20 games for hitting a guy who may miss no time at all.

The only reason why it’s not the last straw because I want to see every other hit to the head be called the same this season. If the Downie punishment becomes the precedent, then I can live with the NHL. If it become the exception rather the rule, Gary Bettman and his group of pillowbiting f@gs can f*ck themselves with a broomstick. No Center Ice, no going to games, no merchandise, nothing.

The sport has become a joke. People are cut by sh*tty stick discipline and get no suspension, but a borderline legal hit (after a check in the back that resulted in Downie getting a faceplant intot glass) gets 20 games. Horsesh*t.

The bush league gets a little hairer after this, in fact, I’m almost at the point where I wish the Flyers would just fold instead of having to play if a f@gified NHL.

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 01:20 PM ET

The “No hitting league” is a joke as well.  Clean hits are all well and good and will never go away.  It’s headshots that need to go, whether they were intentional or not. 

And I don’t buy Downie’s “I didn’t mean to hurt him” or “I asked if he was ok right after”. I loved Downie with the juniors but it was obvious he has a temper and crosses the line sometimes.

And at some point, suspension lengths need to be re-evaluated and this is one of those times.  With the uproar over Pronger getting just one game...didn’t everybody want that to change?

Why are you complaining now that they are giving harsher discipline?

Posted by Shane on 09/28/07 at 01:28 PM ET

the reason im complaining is because the ottawa crybabies cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried,cried, cried,cried like girls.

the hit isnt a 20 game suspension. its a 5-10 game suspension but 20?

NHL caved into those crybabies from senators and the canadain media that wanted to hang downie and people from hockeybuzz(which is funded by hockey writers assoc.) who wanted to throw a librarybook at him.

Take colin campbell resoning,

If you leave your feet, if you target an opponent’s head, if you hit an unsuspecting, or target a player ... There is no doubt there was also intent here, as well. This hit contained all five criteria.”

--Colin Campbell

So if you hit a guy that isn’t paying attention on the ice it is your fault?

Buy your Free Dowie T-Shirts!
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/customize/product.aspx?clear=true&number;= 174238183

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 01:35 PM ET

This would make a lot more sense if what Downie did was against the rules.

Posted by PRC on 09/28/07 at 01:40 PM ET

The sport has become a joke.

The only “joke” around here is you FF. Your logic is as flawed as your grammar. Both barely rise to third-grade level.

Go back and look at the YouTube clip you directed us all to the other day. You’ll see that Downey clearly left his feet to make the hit to McAmmond’s head. Even the announcers commented on it. It was a bush-league play and it resulted in a completely appropriate penalty.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 09/28/07 at 01:43 PM ET

Campbell as said that after he was hit face first into the glass, he was looking for intent. Wait, face-first into the glass? Doesn’t that only happen when someone is checked from behind while facing the glass? And last I checked, wasn’t that considered boarding? And FF, you are right, the “if you hit an unsuspecting” player quote is very, very disturbing.

Posted by philduba from New Jersey on 09/28/07 at 01:45 PM ET

20 games is pathetic.  This was more in the 3-5 game range.  The kid left his feet .1 seconds before hitting Dean… who was watching his pass shocker!  He has a record in the O; but not in the NHL.  And double standard is right… if you think the NHL would give 20 to a star player, you’re nuts.  What’s even funnier is that Bettman was defending against the media for hits to the head over in London, basically saying that people were blowing it out of proportion… and now this ruling.  What a joke.

Posted by Sig from Washington DC on 09/28/07 at 01:49 PM ET

OTC, first, those were Ottawa announcers, what were they supposed to say? second, didn’t Paul post another article from TSN where the writer (sorry I forget who it was) says that his produces broke it frame by frame and said it was debatable whether he left prior to any contact with McAmmond.

Posted by philduba from New Jersey on 09/28/07 at 01:52 PM ET

his face it the glass AFTER THE HIT.

the reason why im SO pissed because it sickens me to see this this league turning into a bush league and taking everything away from old hardcore hockey fan so they can attract A FEW new fans.

this league is going down the road to bankruptacy. bettman wants this league to be like the nba.

bettman vision of his nhl was destoryed last year by a physcial ducks team. ducks represents everything that bettman hates about hockey.

the league saw that flyers were returning to the hardcore hitting and fighting. they dont want to sell a physical team like philly. they want to sell a faggot style hockey team like buffalo.

BTW, The comment about EK site is true, look at writers who write on that site. a good 50% of the writers have a vote on league fuctions and Timmay is a figure head for the site.

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 01:56 PM ET

5, 10, 20.  Whatever the number, just enforce it consistently.

Posted by ninja on 09/28/07 at 01:57 PM ET

I’m sorry Philly fans, but you are the only people in the league that feel that Downie’s hit is defensible.  Everyone else thinks it’s appalling and destructive, mainly because they don’t have an interest in defending the player.  If that had been Briere getting decapitated, the screams from Philly would be deafening.  I don’t think this means that hitting will go away, but I do think that people will hit with less abandon if they believe that a major suspension is coming their way.  Who knows?  The death penalty doesn’t stop people from killing each other, so maybe it won’t matter, but the league can’t sit there and be complacent watching its players sustain traumatic brain injuries.  The NFL is currently adopting concussion standards for its players after seeing the devastating results of a history of repeated concussions and the NHL will soon follow.

Posted by PDXWing from Portland, OR on 09/28/07 at 02:01 PM ET

Q: why wouldn’t the league want to “sell” the flyers?
A: because it’s not 1976!

dump and chase hasn’t been successful in about 30 years, and the flyers have a history of bringing in goons with NO TALENT.  downie is the latest in a long line of skill-less losers.

he left his feet before the hit.  that alone makes it a dirty hit.  then you compound it with all the other stuff.

not a shock that a philly fan would defend this action.  enjoy your 43 2-1 losses this season and a suicidal briere as he realizes that the system is killing his career.

Posted by rive_sud on 09/28/07 at 02:04 PM ET

Where is Perezhogin 20 game suspension?
Where is Colby Armstrong 20 game suspension?
Where is Marcy Tucker’s 20 game suspension?
Where is Chris Neil’s 20 game suspension?

Downie has been singled out because he plays for the flyers.

it’s amazing how o’canada turns their back on their golden boy from world juniors.....

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 02:10 PM ET

This is also an opportunity for the league to come down hard on a player because the other sports leagues are also doing it.  It gives them cover since they aren’t the only league suspending players for attempts to injure.

Let’s see if the precedent holds for the season and the next player gets 20 games as well.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 09/28/07 at 02:13 PM ET

PDX… you couldn’t be more wrong about that.  And I don’t think anyone is completely defending the hit.  They just have a problem with an inexcusable decision made by Colon and Gary.  If anyone has a problem, it’s Sens fans.  Look at these polls from the Ottawa Sun: http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/poll_archive.html

51% said he should be suspended FOR THE SEASON.  Then 59% of them turn around and say McGratton should seek revenge for the hit.

Sens fans look BAD after all of this.  And they have a hot head skating around in Chris Neil too.  Can’t wait for his 20 gamer.  Because of the league is consistent (they’re not), it’s only a matter of time before his comes.

Posted by Sig from Washington DC on 09/28/07 at 02:14 PM ET

I wouldn’t say he is singled out because he plays for the Flyers. I would say he is singled out because he isn’t a “name” and the league can drive home a point without losing a star name for 20 games.

Posted by philduba from New Jersey on 09/28/07 at 02:14 PM ET

oh, and I also wanted to agree with Baroque, if the precedent holds for the season, I have no problem with it then, I just have my doubts.

Posted by philduba from New Jersey on 09/28/07 at 02:15 PM ET

“So if you hit a guy that isn’t paying attention on the ice it is your fault?”

The game isn’t about injuring people.  You shouldn’t be looking for a guy with his head down just so you can crush him.  I love physicality but I don’t want to see people - people with families, kids, lives - get knocked out.

“they want to sell a f***** style hockey team like buffalo.”

A bit uncalled for but whatever.

“Where is Perezhogin 20 game suspension?, etc”

A new standard has been introduced.  Hopefully they stick with it.  If they don’t, then you can complain about it.

“Downie has been singled out because he plays for the flyers.”

Yeah, yeah.  Everyone thinks their team is singled out unfairly.

Posted by Shane on 09/28/07 at 02:16 PM ET

I just have my doubts.

So do I--but I guess hope springs eternal.  It would be the strongest message the league could send if they don’t bend on this.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 09/28/07 at 02:17 PM ET

The fact that he is a Flyer has nothing to do with this.  Downie has been singled out because he has a history of this kind of behavior, with opponents and teammates.  He’s been a loose cannon for a while, so it isn’t a case of a player suddenly “snapping.” He got hit, was angry, and went after the first target he saw instead of even trying to retaliate against the guy who hit him in the first place.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 09/28/07 at 02:21 PM ET

The game isn’t about injuring people.  You shouldn’t be looking for a guy with his head down just so you can crush him.  I love physicality but I don’t want to see people - people with families, kids, lives - get knocked out.

hi,hello

your taught in pee wee hockey to keep your head up at all times no matter what and players like Lindros and McAmmond never learned their lession.

i pray flyers gives the finger to bettman,campbell and rest of the league this upcoming season because people come to hockey game for goals, hard hitting checks and fights, not figure skating, tapping crap bettman wants in the nhl

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 02:28 PM ET

Flyers Fan-Perezhogin got a whole year suspension ( AHL and NHL)
So I guess Downies should get a year then.

I have no issue with the length of the suspension if this is the new
barmoter moving forward. We all know that this is not the case.

As for CDN media, if there was no CDN media there would me no NHL on TV or the internet.

Posted by Chooch from G-Town on 09/28/07 at 02:29 PM ET

The Most Vicious Hits...please compare them to Downie hit…

most vicious hit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOAxYWeQWxE

Downie hit:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=322zqTkL0-c

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 02:30 PM ET

Chris Simon - suspended 25 games for this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esETGHljQi4

Pronger - suspended 1 game for this hit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4RMCvVxIi0

Pronger - suspended 1 game for THIS hit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QphT0Wg9-58

Colby Armstrong - no suspension
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFp2dlMrv0c

Colby Armstrong again - no suspension
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv1l_WHqI-w

Colby Armstrong AGAIN - no suspension
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2RMT5LrqaY

My personal favorite...Armstrong again - no suspension (PENALTY JEFF CARTER)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9RuldyPcIA

McLennan - suspended 4 games
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cda6wsVfaQ

Tucker - No penalty...no suspension
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06o2395RUyM

Hatcher - 7 games for hit on Roenick (old)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYrd7T2YcRE

AND THEN....the WORST OF THE BUNCH......

STEVE DOWNIE - suspended 20 games
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=322zqTkL0-c

Posted by FlyersFan on 09/28/07 at 02:37 PM ET

You can’t compare all those old suspensions.  This appears to be a new standard coming into play.

People complained that suspensions were too lenient and the NHL is now listening.

And you may be taught to keep your head up but I hope they aren’t teaching players to punish and injure those who don’t.

Posted by Shane on 09/28/07 at 02:45 PM ET

The “I Got Less than 20 games” post over at my blog.  Feel free to add names.

Posted by Sig from Washington DC on 09/28/07 at 02:48 PM ET

The PA and the NHL discussed head hits in their meeting in August.  This may be a sign of things to come.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 09/28/07 at 02:53 PM ET

How can you NOT compare those hits to Downie’s hit?  Most of them happened just last year! 

If this is the new standard, expect to see loads of guys sitting in the press box this year.

Ahh… the new NHL!  You gotta love it.

Posted by Sig from Washington DC on 09/28/07 at 03:02 PM ET

“If this is the new standard, expect to see loads of guys sitting in the press box this year.”

Good. Then players will start to be more careful on the ice.

Posted by Shane on 09/28/07 at 03:04 PM ET

“How can you NOT compare those hits to Downie’s hit?  Most of them happened just last year!”

You can’t compare the punishments.  Like Paul said, head hits are an issue and they’re taking action.

Posted by Shane on 09/28/07 at 03:06 PM ET

The NHL needs to send out one more video to the players:

“How to Skate with Your Head Up.”

The NHLPA should send the NHL the following video:

“How to Be Consistent When Suspending Players.”

Posted by Sig from Washington DC on 09/28/07 at 03:11 PM ET

i don’t think the nhlpa would be sending a video on hitting.  if i were a highly paid employee of an organization, i would be happy that a cheap shot artist wouldn’t be threatening my paycheck for a while.

Posted by rive_sud on 09/28/07 at 03:21 PM ET

20 GAMES!!!!!! If this would have been a superstar like Pronger the suspension wouldn’t even be close. I agree that there needs to be strong punishments but come on! I have seen FAR worse hits that have just been taps on the wrists. This will be ok if and only if the league rules consistently. If someone like Pronger pulls the same stunt and only gets a few games I will be done with league until we get better people in power.

Posted by Josh from Mich on 09/28/07 at 03:31 PM ET

Sig, I’m not sure how I couldn’t be more wrong, but it seems, in my experience, that very few people are defending any part of the hit outside of Philly.  I think part of the problem is that Downie is being used as a change in precedent, which is always controversial for the person involved.  Likely, if we haven’t been hearing all the stuff about concussions, his penalty would have been lighter.  I agree with Baroque that comparing this hit to others isn’t as useful as it could be, although I agree that the league has been inconsistent about how it doles out suspensions, as evidenced by the wide variability in those hits you referenced.  I’m suspicious of the idea that the Flyers are being singled out, mostly because they’re such a big franchise and are important to the league’s well-being.  Unfortunately for the Flyers, their boy Downie chose just about the worst time to make this mistake, where a perfect storm of timing, player status, and severity all came together (even McAmmond thinks so, see his quote about the hit coming “at the perfect time").  Sorry guys, but hopefully Campbell is equally heavy-handed with other head shots this year.

Posted by PDXWing from Portland, OR on 09/28/07 at 03:31 PM ET

Not to mention that the NFL is also looking at concussions.  A 40-year old with the brain of an 80-year old because of the trauma of concussions will make a league look at their policies eventually.  Current paychecks are guaranteed, although future ones might be smaller because of injuries.  Quality of life after a playing career is over isn’t.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 09/28/07 at 03:33 PM ET

“Quality of life after a playing career is over isn’t.”

Hey, this sport is for the fans entertainment!  Who cares about the players.  So what if concussions shorten their career or make their retirement less enjoyable.  They’re rich!

Hopefully my sarcasm came through…

Posted by Shane on 09/28/07 at 03:36 PM ET

And I have looked at the hit over and over and at first it looks horrible. But really I don’t think he left his feet to hit his head. It was a really quick play and I don’t think either of them really knew what was coming. However, I will say that it looked like Downie was hunting a little bit.

Posted by Josh from Mich on 09/28/07 at 03:39 PM ET

Without getting into name-calling, I should invite a few of the “contributors” (Josh, Sid, FlyersFan, etc.) to:

1) Look at the video of the hit in slo-mo at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA1LYxneRpE

You’ll see that Downie’s feet are about 8 inches off the ice when his shoulder pulverises McAmmond’s head.

2) Read this Q and A with Colin Campbell
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/colin_campbell_discusses_downie_suspension/

Campbell clearly states that he has discussed head shots with coaches, and that they’re trying to implement a new standard. We can’t say that Downie is being targeted, since he’s the first offender to fall under the new rules. The NHL has set a precedent and it remains to be seen whether they will be consistent in applying the new standard.

I’ll be just as angry as any of you Downie apologists if, say, Ovechkin only gets three games for laying out a fourth-liner in similar fashion.

Oh, and by the way FlyersFan, your homophobic tripe disgusts me. Better watch your back, because I met some really, really big and really, really tough “faggots” last time I was in Philly.

Posted by Eric from Montreal on 09/28/07 at 04:56 PM ET

If that is 8 inches then I am 20 ft tall.

Posted by Josh from Mich on 09/28/07 at 05:42 PM ET

That being said, I don’t think it was a clean check however, the hit is too close to call for 20 games. I don’t care how much you want to get head shots out of the game they will always be there. Accidents do happen. Downie, Pronger, and others probably have no real intention of injuring other players its that they get careless. Downie wanted to make a big hit and he did. He just tried to too much to do it and as a result someone is badly injured. I agree with the suspension just not the length. 20 games is absurd. Period.

Posted by Josh from Mich on 09/28/07 at 05:46 PM ET

Well, you’re now the world’s tallest man.  However, his feet are not equally off the ice, with his left foot being much higher.

Posted by PDXWing from Portland, OR on 09/28/07 at 05:47 PM ET

You guys are completely retarded if you think that wasn’t a vicious hit. And you can’t argue that theres a double standard since this is a new NHL season!

So whether or not you agree 20 games is too much, it has nothing to do with whether this hit is as bad as ones before which got even a less suspension. If you don’t like this new rule, then complain about the new nhl rules, not this particular hit.

Watching the you-tube video, can you seriously say to yourself “oh, that was a perfectly good hit”. He clearly flew his elbow right into the guys head for *#$%@& sakes. I would have the same opinion if it was a sens guy hitting a phil guy. Those kind of hits are dangerous and don’t belong in the game. What if McMammond died, would you all still be “oh well, he should only receive 3-5 game suspension...”.

Posted by KhAoZ from Ottawa on 09/29/07 at 05:27 PM ET