Video: Colton Orr Fights Milan Lucic

When the Boston Bruins visited Toronto to play the Maple Leafs, many hockey fans wondered if Colton Orr would drop the gloves with Milan Lucic. Lucic, even though there is no doubt he is a tough customer, had only fought three times this season prior to this tilt with Orr.  One has to wonder if his early season injury has played a factor in his confidence?

Orr on the other hand has racked up 18 fighting majors this season with Toronto, exhibiting the truculence that GM Brian Burke so desires.  There is no doubt after watching the video of this fight between Lucic and Orr that Orr certainly got the better of Milan in this one.

After watching the video of this fight, I still wonder why Lucic wasn’t more aggressive in throwing punches early in the fight when he had Orr’s jersey over his head. Of course, that’s easy to say when you’re sitting behind a keyboard and not tangled up with one of the NHL’s toughest customers!

Colton Orr Fights Matt Carkner

In last night’s game Toronto’s Colton Orr and Ottawa’s Matt Carkner fought for the third time this season.  A head injury was incurred during this fight and the fight was clearly staged.
Read on to watch the video and please comment with your thoughts and opinions of this fight versus head shots from a body check.

A Staged Fight, No Doubt

This is one of those hockey fights that the NHL is supposedly trying to get rid of – the staged fight.

Here is an excerpt  on the matter from the NHL meeting last year:

“The presentation (Monday) on our stats, the history of fighting, where we are at today, injuries, was very extensive,” NHL Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell said. “We tried to categorize staged fights, fights that were responding to legal and illegal hits, a lot of things. The idea was to understand where fighting is at today and what the League has done about fighting over the years when they thought fighting had became unfair and where and if fighting belonged in the game.”

There was no doubt going into the game that these two were going to fight. Orr and Carkner had each gotten the better of the other in one of the two previous fights this season.

This time, it was Colton Orr that sent Carkner to the ice with a series of 3-4 solid right hands. The last of which had Carkner seeing stars.

Video of the Orr vs. Carkner  fight

Assessing A Head Injury

As the announcers in the video mention, it was good work by the officials and the trainers to get Carkner off of the ice and into the locker room for examination.  However, Carkner was back on the bench several minutes later and resumed regular shifts for the balance of the game.

There is no doubt that this fight resulted in at least some measure of head trauma for Carkner, and we can applaud the staff for taking precautions by getting him examined. As a non-medical professional, I cannot question the decision to let Carkner return to the game, but I do wonder what the true extend of the injury might be.

Supplemental Discipline For This “Head Shot”?

It is interesting that this fight resulted in a head injury and that these types of “staged fights” that the NHL is trying to avoid go unpunished.  It is extremely disturbing to me as a hockey fan to see bodychecks to the head, during the heat of the play (intentional or not – which is a different matter) receive lengthy suspensions, while staged fights like this one that serve no purpose to the game but results in similar injury, go unpunished.

I mean, if any fight was predetermined/staged, it was this fight between Orr and Carkner. The game was 1-0 and it was the first period. No reason to fight for either team to “shift momentum” etc. It happened right off of a faceoff where neither player was lined up directly opposite to the other. Completely unnecessary.

Don’t get me wrong, I like a good tilt just as much as the next guy, but to me an unnecessary fight causing a head injury needs more policing from the league than the currently legal hits (with shoulder/not charging) to the head that happen in the heat of the moment.

Yes, there are two willing combatants that know what they are getting themselves into. But, if the NHL really wants to deter these so-called staged fights, then they have to act accordingly. That said, I’m not so sure that it’s not just lip service from the league at this point.

What do you think?

NHL Season Predictions!

Thank goodness it’s Pucktober! And not a moment too soon for us hockey fans!

The 2009-2010 NHL regular season officially gets underway tonight, and I’m stoked. I’ll bet you are too.

This season promises to be filled to the brim with interesting teams, players, stories and controversies. We had a very busy off season that saw a great draft in Montreal, a lot of players changing addresses in free agency, a tug of war over the Phoenix Coyotes, yet more turmoil within the NHLPA, and announcements of Olympic hockey team hopefuls.

No matter which team you follow, there’s something to look forward to, or to keep a very close eye on for signs of trouble. These things all set up the kick-off to the season, that begins tonight. Yes, TONIGHT! Mere hours from now! To quote Terrell Owens: “Getcha popcorn ready!”

Here’s some things I’ll be keeping a close eye on as the season goes along:

• Are the Penguins a dynasty in the making?
• Are the Red Wings going to take a step back? Competition is stiffer and a lot of their players are potential Olympians (will fatigue get to them?)
• Are the Blackhawks poised to overtake the Wings in the Western Conference’s Central Division?
• Can the Maple Leafs, with their lack of offensive punch grind their way to the playoffs through “truculence”?
• Will the Canadiens’ radical facelift pay off for GM Bob Gainey?
• Will the Los Angeles Kings’ & St. Louis Blues’ plethora of young horses bring them back to respectability?
• Is Jacques Lemaire going to turn the 2009-10 Devils in to the 1995-96 Devils?
• How are the top 3 picks of John Tavares, Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene going to fare with their teams?
• The Vancouver 2010 Olympic games…what’s better than Olympic hockey?
• Who will be the first coach to lose his job this season?
• Are the Bruins going to be as good without Kessel as they were last year with him? Can Thomas repeat his Vezina performance?
• How is Alex Kovalev, who left his heart in Montreal, going to perform with the new look Senators?
• Are the Flyers going to pound everyone in to submission? Will Ray Emery keep it on the rails?
• Will the San Jose Sharks, specifically Marleau and Thornton finally make a name for themselves in the playoffs?
• Will “Mr. Glass”, a.k.a. Marian Gaborik stay healthy long enough to make the Rangers competitive?
• Will we hear from Gretzky again this year?

Add your storyline in the comments below. Surely there are tons of other topics worth following this coming year that I have not listed here.

NHL Digest Twitter Hockey Links

*This is a new feature of NHL Digest, so please feel free to let me know your thoughts.

I am very active on twitter, sharing thoughts and links at www.twitter.com/nhldigest. That said, I thought it would be great for everyone to log all of my Twitter posts for the day into one place!

If you like it, let me know and I’ll update it daily in the “Hockey Links” Category!

On This Day in Hockey History

On July 5, 1995 the New York Islanders hired Mike Milbury as their head coach, taking over for Lorne Henning.

On July 5, 1979 the Boston Bruins named Fred Creighton as their new head coach, replacing Don Cherry.

NHL Links

Do The Blackhawks Believe Hossa Is Jinxed? http://ff.im/-4Q385

NHL finalizes investigation into Blackhawks qualifying offers – Looks like the issue could be dead. http://ff.im/-4PRKv

The Penguins’ five-year plan, executed in four! – by @Mirtle http://ff.im/-4PMJs

Did Tampa Bay tamper with Mattias Ohlund? – by @Sean_Leahy http://ff.im/-4PLfk

Plenty of stuff about McSorley that you likely don’t know. http://ff.im/-4PGhW

Ottawa journalist wears Heatley jersey in public as an experiment…Good for some laughs! http://ff.im/-4PFYg

Hossa says he chose Chicago because “They have a chance to win the Cup”. Sound familiar? http://ff.im/-4PFDu

Touted Swedish goaltender, Jonas Gustavsson, expects to sign in the next couple of days http://ff.im/-4Pw9V

Los Angeles Kings Q&A with their newest player Ryan Smyth http://ff.im/-4Pdhu

Leafs new signing, Exelby and Ron Hextall weigh in on Heatley debacle  http://ff.im/-4OzLR

Upcoming on NHL Digest

Monday morning I will be featuring an interview with Washington Capitals strength and conditioning coach,Mark Nemish, on NHL Digest.

Again, please feel free to leave comments and suggestions and be sure to follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/nhldigest.

Also a new feature for NHL Digest is the ability to comment on an article directly from twitter! All you have to do is respond with an “@” reply to the Tweet with the article link in it and your comment will be added to the comments section below the article.

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Breaking Down The Coyotes Bankruptcy Hearing

After the glory of the Stanley Cup Finals concludes and a Pittsburgh skates off into the sunset with their shiny new grail for a summer of parties, it will be back to reality for the NHL, Phoenix Coyotes, Jim Balsillie, and the fans. Last Tuesday’s six-hour bankruptcy hearing laid the groundwork for the heart of the case and the forthcoming ruling will decide the future of the Phoenix Coyotes.

A Capable Judge

It’s becoming clear that this case is in capable hands with Judge Baum.  This recent profile from the Globe and Mail makes clear that Baum is pragmatic, equal-handed, and a sports fan.  His decision will not be the culmination of a perceived “Canada v US” struggle for the soul of the NHL. Like any judge, Baum’s goal is to make as many creditors whole as possible.  As a practical matter for all parties, including himself, he will be making that decision in a timely manner. A ruling could come at any time, though Judge Baum will wait until after the Cup has been presented as a matter of courtesy not to interrupt hockey’s most sacred night.

Opposed to Relocation

One of the interesting revelations during the June 9 hearing was that Judge Baum is not philosophically opposed to franchise relocation. Citing the Baltimore Colts, he noted that the NHL’s claim of irreparable damage doesn’t always occur. However, it’s clear that Jim Balsillie or any other potential owner wishing to move the franchise will face additional financial responsibilities.   A $100m figure was floated, but that is not legally binding at this point.

Furthermore, an owner wishing to place a franchise in southern Ontario will not have the rights of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres (depending on team’s location) invalidated.  This is consistent with what the Judge mentioned during the May hearing. These costs will likely take a $212 million bid to a real cost of $400m+. Is Balsillie or another owner willing to pay a figure close to the “market value” of a southern Ontario team?

Richard Rodier, lawyer for Balsillie, quickly told the court that the bid included an opt-out clause if a relocation fee was imposed. This is either another attempt to control the direction in court  like trying to push through a timeline unfair to any other competitive bids, wanting TV rights, and imposing a deadline for revoking the bid in full.  More likely, it’s the opening salvo in the larger negotiation in an attempt to minimize these fees.  Interestingly, these additional costs won’t be factored into the cost of the bid and the amount to which each bid repays creditors. They’re just a part of the cost of doing business in general.

The NHL Constitution

The other interesting revelation for law geeks with vivid imaginations revolves around the NHL constitution and tiptoes into anti-trust law (potentially Balsillie’s biggest ally). Unlike the other leagues, the NHL hasn’t revoked veto power from its franchises.  In real terms, the Toronto Maple Leafs have the power to reject any deal to bring a team to Southern Ontario unilaterally. There will be a tension between the court and the Leafs if the team is moved via bankruptcy court without the Leafs giving their approval.

For those with vivid imaginations, think of the ramifications if a court invalidates any part of the NHL constitution, even a part rarely invoked.  The sovereignty of the NHL to run its operations would seriously be in doubt and any future owner could easily make a legal assault upon a weakened league. Again, this is a doomsday scenario but food for thought.

During the hearing, the City of Glendale continued to assert a $500m claim, though the Judge has given a range of $7-550m.  The determination of that claim alone can tip the scales in favor of a certain bid.  In the eyes of the court, there has only been one bid so far- Jim Balsillie’s.

Other Potential Bids

The Judge went as far as to call other expressions of interest hearsay, a damaging blow to the NHL’s case. For the other potential bidders, it’s time to put up or shut up and welcome the Hamilton Coyotes!

This post was developed by a legal analyst source exclusively for NHL Digest.  This source wishes to remain anonymous due to privacy and security clearance issues.  Please direct all questions to the comment form below.

You can find a breakdown of the first hearing here.

Curtis Joseph Chases All-Time Loss Record

With Martin Gerber’s referee shoving episode earning him a 3-game suspension, Curtis Joseph found himself looking at three straight starts.

Interestingly enough that may be just enough starts to break an NHL record this season.

Collecting his 351st career loss on Friday night, Curtis Joseph moved within one loss of Gump Worsley’s career loss record for goaltenders.

While the all-time record for losses by an NHL goaltender is not an enviable position to be in, Joseph also ranks 4th all-time in wins with 453 NHL victories.

Considering the length of Joseph’s career, it is obvious that the losses are the bi-product of a long career backstopping a host of mediocre teams rather than poor performance.

The Year of The Goalie

In a year when Martin Brodeur has set the record for most career wins, and has been hailed by many as the best goaltender in history, there is one category other than career losses where Joseph leads Brodeur. Joseph (26,707) has had more shots against him than Brodeur (24,842). in fact, Patrick Roy (28,353) is the only goaltender in history with more shots against than Joseph.

In his 19 seasons, Joseph has made nearly 54,000 saves, allowed more than 2500 goals against and has a career goals against average (GAA) of 2.79. Joseph was an NHL All-Star on two occasions in 1994 and 2000

Joseph’s worst full season came in 2006-2007 when he held the fort for a very poor Phoenix Coyotes team, and finished the season with 321 losses and a 3.19 GAA.

With those statistics and without winning a Stanley Cup, does Joseph deserve a shot at the Hall of Fame?

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