Five for Fighting

Sean Avery shenanigans

OK, first I hope I spelled shenanigans right... anyway, I finally just saw the whole Sean Avery drama from the New York Rangers-New Jersey game. There was much said about Avery, who flailed his arms and his stick in Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur's face. Well, the NHL took no time in reacting, stating that this is now an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. (You can't see it right now, but I've got a sarcastic shocked expression at the though of Avery doing something unsportsmanlike).

I agree with Marty Turco's assessment of it earlier today: "It's kind of bush league."

Pronger suspended

I was actually pretty close in games when I blogged about it this morning, although I really think it should've been more:
Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger was suspended eight games by the NHL today for his stomping Ryan Kesler. Here's what bothers me: In talking about the suspension, Colin Campbell said Pronger "carelessly and recklessly" brought his foot down on Kessler's ankle. Reckless and careless actions are only worth eight games?

Curious at the opinions on this.

Bobby Hull/Stan Mikita ceremony

I'm watching the Blackhawks-Sharks game with interest, obviously considering where the Sharkies are in the standings. But I turned this game on early for the Blackhawks' ceremony to honor Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita.
I know the Blackhawks are doing much this season to erase their past transgressions, especially with the fans, and the ceremony for the two former greats was fantastic. I would've loved to have been in that building, which had to be electric. Rocky Wirtz probably got the loudest cheer when he thanked Blackhawks fans watching the games on TV. Pretty sad that Chicagoans were denied their team on TV for so long.
Anyway, great stuff out of Chicago. They've turned so many things around there this season, and the NHL could only benefit from that organization becoming a force again.

Gainey ceremony

I'm happy I got the remainder of the NHL Center Ice package for times like this: I'm watching the Bob Gainey ceremony out of Montreal, and they're about to hang his number from the rafters as I type. Gainey had a wonderful speech (most of it was in French, and I could make out about half of it), and it was great to see Gainey standing up at the podium, in full uniform including skates!

There was definitely some emotion for Gainey, who was surrounded by his family as his number was raised. Great, great night for the Canadiens up there. I'm guessing the team is going to be pretty motivated against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

By the way, Hockey Night in Canada has more commercials than the first quarter of an NFL game.

Sundin's choice

The Mats Sundin saga continues up in Toronto, as the longtime Maple Leafs center has been asked to waive his no-trade clause. But Sundin doesn't want to do that. The guy is 37 years old and doesn't want to move. As he said in the posted article below, he would've been more willing to do this at 27 or 28. But now...

Anyway, how does this change the landscape of the trade deadline if Sundin stays put?

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=230373&hubname=