Official 2012 St. Louis Blues - Stanley Cup PLAYOFFS Thread

[GeddyWrox]

Think either of the sharks players will be suspended? The guy that threw the elbow to the back of Nichol's head, and the Guido sounding guy that left his feet and went at McDonald's head? I think they both should be fined if not suspended. If the league doesn't do anything, I will be PISSED.

[slide_into_first]

So are Jackman, Polak, Braun and Murray not playing Monday?

[slide_into_first]

Blues in 5

[lukethedrifter]

[longhornbaseball]

[TimeForGuinness]

Anyone else think that Shanahan's slap on the wrist to Weber for slamming Zetterberg head into the boards WWE-turnbuckle-style has lead to the outbreak of game misconducts in the previous two games across the playoffs? The Pittsburgh/Philadelphia game was crazy last night.

I'm not saying that Weber should have been suspended, or that the playoff hockey should be wussi-fied, or that the teams should police themselves vigilante-style...just wondering if you think there's a direct correlation between the events.

Personally, I find these games incredibly entertaining to watch...let the teams police themselves if the refs/league aren't going to enforce consistent rulings.

[Popeye_Card]

Anyone else think that Shanahan's slap on the wrist to Weber for slamming Zetterberg head into the boards WWE-turnbuckle-style has lead to the outbreak of game misconducts in the previous two games across the playoffs? The Pittsburgh/Philadelphia game was crazy last night.

I'm not saying that Weber should have been suspended, or that the playoff hockey should be wussi-fied, or that the teams should police themselves vigilante-style...just wondering if you think there's a direct correlation between the events.

Personally, I find these games incredibly entertaining to watch...let the teams police themselves if the refs/league aren't going to enforce consistent rulings.

I do think that had some effect. I thought at the time it was going to create a precedence either way it went, and I think it clearly has.

I'm tiring of the argument though that it's just "playoff hockey". I don't agree. There are clear lines that are being crossed, and thus far the officiating hasn't been able to nip it in the bud. I like the harder hits and the tighter games the playoffs bring, but there's no place for the cheap shots that have been going on.

It would be hard for the NHL to retroactively hand out suspensions. But I would be on board with the league coming out and stating from this point forward, they're going to begin handing out suspensions for cheap shots, both in game action and after the whistle. The crap has to stop--I don't personally enjoy watching it. Play hard, but respect your opponent.

[TimeForGuinness]

Anyone else think that Shanahan's slap on the wrist to Weber for slamming Zetterberg head into the boards WWE-turnbuckle-style has lead to the outbreak of game misconducts in the previous two games across the playoffs? The Pittsburgh/Philadelphia game was crazy last night.

I'm not saying that Weber should have been suspended, or that the playoff hockey should be wussi-fied, or that the teams should police themselves vigilante-style...just wondering if you think there's a direct correlation between the events.

Personally, I find these games incredibly entertaining to watch...let the teams police themselves if the refs/league aren't going to enforce consistent rulings.

I do think that had some effect. I thought at the time it was going to create a precedence either way it went, and I think it clearly has.

I'm tiring of the argument though that it's just "playoff hockey". I don't agree. There are clear lines that are being crossed, and thus far the officiating hasn't been able to nip it in the bud. I like the harder hits and the tighter games the playoffs bring, but there's no place for the cheap shots that have been going on.

It would be hard for the NHL to retroactively hand out suspensions. But I would be on board with the league coming out and stating from this point forward, they're going to begin handing out suspensions for cheap shots, both in game action and after the whistle. The crap has to stop--I don't personally enjoy watching it. Play hard, but respect your opponent.

I agree.

There have been some good hits that have been followed up by cheap shots (looking at you Asham), the cheap shots aren't needed...and it's just going to force the teams to self-police (bring out the bruisers to go kick someone's teeth in) especially if the officials/league don't nip it in the bud. This could escalate into Bertuzzi-style retribution...and I don't think the NHL wants to move in that direction.

I think the Rangers' response criticizing the inconsistency of suspensions was directly calling out Shanahan's slap on the wrist to Weber. I think it's valid.

[Popeye_Card]

The one I thought was really odd was Neal taking some really cheap shots after receiving what looked to me like a clean, hard check.

Crosby's glove slide was just childish, coming from a captain.

Personally, I'd be embarrased as either a Penguins or Flyers fan, after watching my team take part in that "game". The Blues game was pretty bad, but I don't feel like the Blues did much wrong outside of Crombeen's hit as time was expiring--no need for that.

[longhornbaseball]

Looks like Stewy's back. No Reaves, though. Crombeen should have his hands full tonight.

Jeremy Rutherford ‏ @jprutherford
#stlblues lineup at morning skate: 57-42-74, 20-21-10, 17-44-25, 15-12-26 ... 28-27, 5-22, 4-46 ... 1