Shawn Thornton cheapshot on B. Orpik - gets 15 games

[Enoch Root]

3-5 for Neal and 20 for Thornton

[d_phaneuf]

Article from December 4th

http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/i...on-on-fighting

People could probably criticize that I’m a little too honorable, I suppose, in some instances. I've been a firm believer my whole life that what goes around comes around. If you’re one of those guys that suckers someone when they’re down or you go after somebody that doesn’t deserve it or isn’t the same category as you, that will come back and bite you at some point, too

[flames_fan_down_under]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Orpik left on a stretcher. Thornton got him hard enough. That wasn't quite Bertuzzi level, but it wasn't all that far off, either.

I was thinking about the Bertuzzi play as well, a lot of similarities with both incidents. However this isn't as severe as the Moore Bertuzzi incident.

[Mccree]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I don't know. From the video, it doesn't really look like Thornton really got him that hard with the punch. I guess I'm not seeing things correctly.

I think what Neal did was much worse.

Dude goes off on a stretcher and it's not "that bad" I like physical hockey but there is not need for that crap in hockey.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Orpik left on a stretcher. Thornton got him hard enough. That wasn't quite Bertuzzi level, but it wasn't all that far off, either.

I dont think Thornton actually hit him that hard. But the dangerous thing is that he hit his head into the ice, which is significantly more jarring than just punching someone in say a fight. Thornton should know better, it might have just been a light punch but Orpik was in an extremely vulnerable position.

[Tinordi]

Guys guys Thornton is just protecting other players from using their sticks to hurt reach other.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Originally Posted by H2SO4(aq)

I dont think Thornton actually hit him that hard. But the dangerous thing is that he hit his head into the ice, which is significantly more jarring than just punching someone in say a fight. Thornton should know better, it might have just been a light punch but Orpik was in an extremely vulnerable position.

How hard Thornton throws his fists at Orpiks head after dragging him to the ice should have no bearing on anything really. Its a play that has no business in hockey and is extremely dangerous.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Neal both changed his direction slightly and left his knee hanging out. Deliberate as deliberate can be.

hadn't seen that view... very deliberate there.

[flamesfan55]

Originally Posted by OILFAN #81

I'd give Neal 4-5 games and Thornton 25 games. You simply cannot slew foot someone, drive someone's head to the ice and punch them. Ridiculous.

Seriously only 4-5 for Neal. That couldn't be any more blantant and a cheap shot to the head.

[SHOGUN]

Those punches didn't look that all vicious... but then again, maybe I watch too much MMA.

[Tinordi]

What Thornton did there will surely deter more cheap shots. #burkelogic

[Kaine]

Give both idiots 20+ games. No room for either of those displays in the NHL.

Suggesting Neal shouldn't get more than 3-5 games because the injury wasn't as bad is silly, both were reckless, stupid plays with clear intent to injure.

[zamler]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I don't know. From the video, it doesn't really look like Thornton really got him that hard with the punch. I guess I'm not seeing things correctly.

I think what Neal did was much worse.

Originally Posted by SHOGUN

Those punches didn't look that all vicious... but then again, maybe I watch too much MMA.

Or maybe they don't fight in a ring made of ice.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by flames_fan_down_under

How hard Thornton throws his fists at Orpiks head after dragging him to the ice should have no bearing on anything really. Its a play that has no business in hockey and is extremely dangerous.

Uh ya, go read the rest of my post not just what you bolded....

[Tinordi]

At the utmost maintain the position that this is a lone cheapshot and in no way connected to having the code of fighting in the game.

[magicbell]

I like that Bergeron helped bring the stretcher across the ice. Great sportsmanship.

[Robo]

Both cheap and dirty plays give them equal suspensions

[moon]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Guys guys Thornton is just protecting other players from using their sticks to hurt reach other.

Why do people try to act like this has anything to do with fighting?

Is it because they have no rational argument against fighting so this is the garbage they have to resort to?

[btimbit]

Both are garbage cheapshots. One injured, one very well had potential to be serious. 10+ games for both.

[zamler]

Speaking of the code...