Quote:
Originally Posted by Oling_Roachinen
Eriksson didn't return after a borderline questionable hit. We've get the luxury to see the slow motion replay and the paused screenshots but the Bruins don't. They see one of their (should be) stars get hit after just returning from concussion and is now out of the game. Of course they'll be outraged, dirty or not, and want Orpik to answer for it. 29 other teams would feel the same way.
Sure, you can say that if it was actually dirty the league would take care of it, but they don't really care. Orpik missing next game wouldn't do them any favours with Eriksson out, they want to let the Penguins know they wont let them take liberties. So of course they'll send out Thornton to go after and challenge Orpik. It becomes a sticky situation when Orpik refuses the fight. I don't think either side should really be using as a favour for their arguments. Pro-fighting advocates will note that had Orpik just fought Thornton the later incident would have been avoided and if Orpik didn't want to have to answer for his hit (clean or dirty) he shouldn't have made it. Anti-fighting proponents will say that Orpik shouldn't have to fight after a clean hit and is now leaving the ice on a stretcher because of the good-for-nothing goon. The answer is somewhere in the middle and the simple fact is no one actually fought so doesn't really prove anything.
Neal's absolute stupid and dangerous play was just throwing gas on the fire. I would have no problem if he got comparable suspension to Thornton.
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I think the Bruins can see the slowmotion replay. Asst coaches are wired to the press box.
So there is no solution? I think you raise both sides perfectly. The leagues needs to choose one of them.