Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
I think this post is generally pretty bang on. This is an interesting situation for me. I agree that Thronton needed to show more disipline and wait for an opportunity more appropriate to stick up for his team. That said, from a personal point of view, what Thronton did, didn't really make me think that much less of him. I actually thought he wasn't trying to "destroy" Orpik. The way he through Orpik down / slew footed him, along with the lack of vigor IMO he had behind his punches leads me to believe he wasn't trying to serioulsy injure Orpik. He didn't drive him into the ground, he didn't wrecklessly smack his head against the ice or even take close to half the wind up he could have when punching Orpik. Honestly think Orpik got really unlucky and Thronton must have just caught him right on the button.
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One of the most ridiculous things I have ever read. Orpik was attacked from behind and knocked out cold and now can't play due to a concussion. The act was about as reckless as it gets, especially considering it happened long after a clean hit (yes it was clean according to the rules). And you say the intent was not to "seriously injure" so what was it? Just hurt him moderately? How can he be so precise? The answer is he can't.
And honestly it doesn't make a lick of difference what Thornton was "trying" to do that is no excuse, it was a cowardly and gutless act that has no place in hockey.
BTW, for anyone that says Thornton was simply sticking up for his teammates and that what he did was not so bad. Thornton himself disagrees.
