We all have to work on our weak points out there and make sure we continue to improve. I can use this time to make sure I’m staying as close to the top of my game as I can and also work on the things that are lacking.

Lacking? You mean like self control, you pinheaded moron?

Anyone think this guy is working on self control or anger management during his “break”? Let’s see what Pinhead says…

Hopefully I’ll be able to come back from this and be in better shape than I was when I left.

Right, Pinhead, this is a chance for you to get stronger, get rid of the facemask and get yourself ready to stomp some other defenseless soul during the playoffs.

We should start a pool on how many games it will take before he does something that warrants a suspension…not that the League will actually suspend him.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 03/22/08 at 09:42 AM ET

I wish all of you Pronger-haters would give it a rest.  Yes, he loses his head a little bit sometimes, but who hasn’t?  I’m not saying that makes to OK, but he got his punishment, now stop your bitching.  He is an elite defenseman in this league and will be for a long time, so deal.

Posted by NHLJeff from Pens fan in Chicago, IL on 03/22/08 at 10:54 AM ET

Yes, he loses his head a little bit sometimes, but who hasn’t?

Right. What player hasn’t intentionally elbowed a guy in the head because he was pissed off? And what player hasn’t intentionally stomped on a guy’s leg with his skate because he was frustrated?

We’re very sorry we don’t understand your boy. It’s a deficiency on our part. We get all hung up on things like respect for other players and the rules of the game. But we’ll try to be more understanding the next time, and there will be a next time, your boy intentionally tries to hurt someone. Sure we will. 

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 03/22/08 at 12:11 PM ET

Hey, 20 years ago, he’d be benched if he didn’t elbow guys in the head behind the play every now and again.

Posted by Doogie2K from Calgary on 03/22/08 at 01:04 PM ET

Sorry, Jeff, but the whole thing smells pretty bad.  The initial quick rush to judgement that there would be no supplemental discipline handed down, and then only because a 2nd and better quality video became available (one not provided or sought by the NHL, I might add) and the outcry that followed forced the league to take a 2nd look.  The icing on the cake is that Pronger will not miss a single playoff game for the Ducks.

If you think this so-called punishment will deter Pronger from further misdeeds on the ice, I want some of whatever you’re smoking.

Posted by dash_pinched on 03/22/08 at 01:11 PM ET

Suspensions should include not being allowed to participate in practices etc.

Posted by Laker from Dapuddle on 03/22/08 at 01:19 PM ET

The irritating thing is that Pronger doesn’t have to pull any of that stuff.

For every cheap shot, replace it with a hard hit (or nothing) and he would be just as impressive a player, just as difficult to play against, but his talent and competitive drive would always be in the forefront of conversations about him instead of “what stupid thing will he do next - and how will the NHL justify giving him a minimal suspension this time?”

None of his crap is at all necessary.  It’s just plain stupid and a total waste of his effort and the league’s time.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/22/08 at 03:31 PM ET

Suspensions should include not being allowed to participate in practices etc.

Amen, brother. It’s hardly a “punishment” if you get to practice with the team and work on your team-play while you’re on suspension.

The irritating thing is that Pronger doesn’t have to pull any of that stuff.

And amen, sister. I don’t think anyone disputes the fact that Pinhead has a s**tload of talent. So, why does he cross the line so frequently? Well, maybe it’s because he’s the one who’s not sure if he has what it takes. It’s either that or he’s just a pathological S.O.B.

My personal guess? It’s the latter!

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 03/22/08 at 07:05 PM ET