I love how Damien contradicts himself… he argues that no one wants to change the instigator except for HNIC, then he goes on to say that players on the competition committee wont be swayed by the mob who wants to change the instigator.

Posted by bcrt2000 on 12/27/07 at 02:33 PM ET

Cox lends more computer time to the instigator rule then anyone in the world hands down.  As much as he doesn’t agree with it, those of us that DO think the instigator rule should be removed or modified THANK HIM for extended press coverage he provides.

However, Cox leaves out very important facts, one of which is that the Board of Governors NARROWLY voted down the modification to the instigator rule last year.  NARROWLY by a mere FOUR votes.  One owner even voted to remove the instigator rule COMPLETELY.

Cox also fails to mention that this is a top priority for NHLPA Obudsman Eric Lindros and NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly.  As a matter of fact, they are going around and visiting every team and talking to them about what rule changes players would like to see.  Guess what is at the tops of their lists?  Lindros and Kelly didn’t just make this stuff up. 

Cox also fails to mention the NHLPA survey that is conducted every year.  Although it didn’t touch specifically on the instigator, an overwhelming 97% of players thought the appropriate penalty for fighting was 5 minutes.  Other options were 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and a game misconduct.  Also of interest was that 67% of players would rather see a fourth line roster spot go to an enforcer rather than a skilled player who can play the power play and participate in the shootout (33%).  Hmmm… all this from an ANONYMOUS survey.  How is that mindlessly mouthing the company line as Cox put it?

What Damien really doesn’t get is there is no debate.  He wants one; but we’ve been through this for years now. 

The facts are:
1) The overwhelming majority of fans love fighting.
2) The overwhelming majority of players love fighting.

Now the NHL Board of Governors needs to make a decision come February.  They have to ask themselves whether or not these lengthy suspensions are detering players from cheap hits and dirty play.  And when they arrive at the obvious answer of no, they have to ask what can be done differently. 

Four more votes is all it will take Damien.  There’s no debating that.

Posted by siggy on 12/27/07 at 02:53 PM ET

Damien Cox is the most insufferable, arrogant prick in all of hockey journalism.  His condescending attitude is sickening.  I’d love to see someone with a good grasp of all the facts surrounding the instigator issue debate him on live TV and expose him for the simpering fraud that he is.

Posted by P Hinnegan from Windsor on 12/27/07 at 04:18 PM ET

http://twominutesforblogging.blogspot.com/2007/12/colton-orr-who-lets-talk-maxim.html

More on Cox and the slew foot and almost stepping on of Scottie Upshall by one Maxim Afinegenov.  The slew foot was there, the intent of the stepping motion was clear.  Where is the suspension?  Could it be because Maxim is a star and the NHL is completely inconsistent in how they dish out suspensions?  Not nearly enough attention on this story as there should be.

Posted by siggy on 12/27/07 at 04:24 PM ET