So Mr. Cherry versus the pukes, eh?†is the main story this week as I start my column off. I have a couple of comments here. First of all, the players deny saying what Cherry said they did. Plus, in my opinion, fighting has not been the problem with the NHL. The fighting issue has taken a second seat to head shots. So far as I am concerned, Cherry's comments on fighting really don't concern me as much as the hits to the head. I really don't get why players refuse to let up on this issue. Well, Don entertains me, but really, he has to be held accountable for the things he says. If you do the crime, you must do the time, or in this case, pay the fine in a civil suit.
There is a new sheriff in town, and boy has he been a busy man. Mr. Shanny has been calling everyone out on the carpet for there crimes. There have been a lot of complaints from people saying the power has gone to his head. You know what I say? You know how when a disciplinarian is doing his job by the whining of his employees. I love the work has done so far Shanny meting out justice through the League. What I like about this is that the players are being held accountable for their stupidity. The league has to keep these hits to the head under control. Shanny may have been a little overzealous in some of the penalties, but I would rather him err on the side of caution. I applaud Shanny for his work, especially his video explanations. The League gets an A for Shanny's work so far. The players must do the time if they do the crime.
I wanted to address the issue of Arron Asham vs Jay Beagle. I don't mind what happened in the fight itself -- Asham ko'ing Beagle; that happens sometimes in hockey. What I can't stand is the despicable act he pulled after the fight. It was classless to put on the go-to-sleep act after the fight. Celebrating someone being down on the ice showed no respect on Asham's part. I was impressed by his apology after what he did. The cynic in me says he only did it to try save himself a suspension. His act does not deserve suspension, but it should deserve a fine. Again, if you do the crime, you do the time or pay the fine.
Fan Poll
Today's fan poll is on all three issues I have discussed in the column.
1. Does Cherry owe the players something? Does he need to held accountable?
2. How do you rate the new Sheriff Shanny? Is he doing a good job?
3. Does Asham deserve some kind of penalty for his despicable act?
you can say that again
1. Cherry knows hockey but he has no control over his words. It makes him likeable for many fans but not for me. He needs to be held accountable.2. Shannahan is doing what was required of him, so yeah he is doing a decent job.3. Asham should not have made the gestures he made later but the reason would be adrenaline over anything else. I do not think he should get any sort of suspension. Maybe a fine would be the max.
My take on the flames first win. http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=56586
asham did the taunt before he realized how hurt the other player was. i don't think he realized beagle was in trouble, he was just pumping up the crowd. had he seen the blood, i have no doubt he wouldn't have made that gesture.
It isn't uncommon for a fighter to make a display to the crowd after knocking his opponent out. It looked real bad because BEagle was hurt. Had he not this wouldn't be a story. Actually that knockout might already have 25,000 views on you tube. Asham was remorseful afterwards and realized his error.
Cherry is a dinosaur and a blowhard. MacLean is no better. Their act is no better than the staged fights so many complain about. Shanny is doing a good job. Let's wait a while longer before we criticize any particular suspension or non-suspension.