Sometimes, we all find ourselves in a fairly unique situation.  Some of us don't like our opinions or beliefs challenged, but it does happen and when it does, you need to be able to present your side of the situation as clearly, concisely, and accurately as possible.  Personally, I enjoy it.  Keep in mind, a simple difference of opinions and the ability to discuss it appropriately without being insulting is a plus.  However, that is in my unprofessional opinion.  I don't want to come on this tremendous forum and claim to be an angel, because we all know that we all can be difficult at some point.  So please...if I say something on here that you disagree with, tell me and challenge me on it.  Put me on the spot and make me back up my opinion.  And when I'm wrong, I'll be the first to tell you and I will show up to eat my crow. 

I am going to unload for a little bit here.  I have bit my fucking tongue long enough, but just when I thought the Montreal Canadiens or some of their fans could not possibly get anymore embarrassing, they go and pull a stunt like this.  After firing Jacques Martin as their coach, GM Pierre Gauthier hired Randy Cunneyworth as their interim Head Coach.  Shortly after, the Montreal media were like fucking pirahnas, complaining that Gauthier should have hired a Franco coach, and not one that doesn't speak french.  Regardless of what language they are being coached in, they still aren't scoring goals or winning games, as is evidenced by their 3 wins in their last 12 games.  The trade of Cammalleri on Thursday night was a desperation move by a GM that should not be working in the NHL anymore.  Gauthier has tried to get Cunneyworth fired for not speaking french.  If it was going to be such a bone of contention, why even hire him in the first place?  And then, to have their owner apologize to the french media for hiring a coach that didn't speak french was absolutely disgusting.  Cunneyworth, while all of this is happening, is remaining professional.  He is taking french lessons to appease himself to the french media, and is continually making himself available to the french media.  Cunneyworth isn't complaining; Cunneyworth isn't looking for a camera to advertise the fact that Les Habitants are just a shitty team this year.  They fucking trade Cammalleri during a game, and claim that it had nothing to do with his disparaging comments made earlier in the week, claiming that the Habs prepare for games like losers.  Gauthier has claimed that he has been working on this trade for about a month, so that leaves me one conclusion.  Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster must've phoned during the second intermission and said, "okay...we'll take Cammalleri now."  Are you fucking kidding me?  Do you seriously expect anyone with an IQ higher than room temperature to believe that load of bullshit?  If a trade was in the works for a month, why even run the risk of him being injured and allowing him to even start the game?  But yet, Cunneyworth continues to show up everyday with his game face on, even though he knows he will not be the head coach at the end of the season.  When did it become such an issue that the head coach of their team didn't speak french?  Remember this guy?

Scotty Bowman won 5 Stanley Cups and a Jack Adams trophy for the Habs.

How about this guy?

Al MacNeil won a Stanley Cup for the Habs as well.  How about Dick Irvin or Toe Blake?  None of these coaches spoke a fucking lick of french, but the french media was all shits and giggles while they were winning.  That is fucking low for the GM and the fucking owner to come out and apologize for hiring a non-french speaking coach.  This once historic sports franchise is turning into a fucking sorry excuse for a team, and their fans and players are allowing it to happen.  Geoff Molson...your beer is shit.  

I have been defending the Bruins and their physical style of play for the past couple of weeks, and have been trying to clarify that they are not a dirty team.  Stats don't lie; bottom line.  In one of the discussions, I stated that Columbus moved in front of the Bruins for fighting majors.  Funny enough, there was an incident in the Blue Jackets game tonight that is probably going to garner some interest from the league.  Dane Byers came across on the Sharks Desjardins and made high contact.  Toss another fighting major onto the Blue Jackets total. 

Dirty hit?  I believe so.  Suspendable?  The potential is there.  We'll have to wait and see.

My vote for goal of the week?  Shawn Thornton's penalty shot vs Winnipeg and Ondrej Pavelic.  An amazing set of hands for such a tough player.

I sent this clip to Sully earlier in the week, and this has my vote for my favorite interview of the week.  If you are going onto another teams network, make sure you have all of your information straight.  Tony Gallagher is a bag of douche, right up there with Molson and Gauthier.

 What is it that makes the Bruins so tough to play against?  Simple.  Not only are they a talented team, they also support each other.  Sure, they probably would have fewer penalties if they didn't respond to this type of play, but teams that get bullied don't win.

And did Boston go to the media and complain for a suspension?  Nope...they simply said they will let the league look at the hit.  Claude Julien didn't go to the first camera and say that Subban will "get his", and the Bruins stuck to their no whining policy.  I would much rather be a fan of a team that supports each other, instead of waiting for an opportunity to cry about it in front of a camera.  By the way, I wonder if Subban slipped on a banana peel there...

Fight of the week

Shawn Thornton vs Mark Stuart

Thanks for stopping by.  And yes, there is a reason I haven't brought up the All Star Game.  Those that know me are aware of the fact why.  Next week I'll be doing my annual anti-All Star Game entry.  

Thanks for stopping by

Hotchnuts

So, this isn't going to be the usual type of entry for me.  I am quite pissed about some recent developments in the last week, and I think I am do for an unload on some of the bullshit that has transpired over the last few days.  

Now, I am going to start with the Barch suspension, and believe me when I say I going to restrain myself on this one.  Barch received a one game suspension for making a racist remark following an altercation with P.K. Subban of the Montreal Canadiens.  A linesman overheard the remark, and it was reported to the NHL offices.  After a discussion with Barch, the fucking geniuses at the NHL decided it would be best to give Barch a one game suspension.  Barch was a man about it and owned up to what he had said, and stressed that it did not carry any racial undertones.  What exactly did Barch say?  I'll fucking tell you what he said.  Following an altercation on the ice between P.K. Subban and Erik Gudbranson of the Panthers, Subban fell to the ice and turtled.  As Subban was skating to the penalty box, Barch said "What happened?  Did you slip on a banana peel?"  That earned Barch a one game suspension.  Are you fucking kidding me?  How is that racist?  There are far, far worse things that Barch could have said to Subban.  Anyone fucking wipes out, the banana peel joke is the common comment to be made.  What in the fuck is happening to people?  Barch making a statement that he stressed did not have racial undertones earns him a one game suspension, but you don't need to hear the audio to understand what Wayne Simmonds is saying to Sean Avery in this one...

In my opinion, calling someone a "fucking f****t" is far, far worse than what Barch said.  Why the disparity?  I guess the last thing Bettman wants is Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Jesse Jackson banging down the front doors of the offices.  But yet, a linesman was right there.  Was it because the target in Simmonds verbal attack was the league scapegoat and resident self proclaimed media darling Avery?  Tables turned, and Avery makes that comment to Simmonds.  Punishable?  You bet your fucking ass.  Avery would be gone for at least more than one game.  Thank fuck Gary Bettman didn't have his buddies from GLAAD banging down his door.  That is absolute fucking horseshit.

Okay...someone tell this fucking piece of shit to buy a fucking scarf already.  If you want to wear something around your neck, do your fucking tie up or buy a fucking scarf from your overpriced shitty fucking gift shop.  But in all honesty, he may have said something that I can agree with.  Seriously...did I just say that?  Don't worry, I'll get back to ripping him a new one shortly.  Burke recently placed leaf tough guy Colton Orr on waivers and sent him down to the Marlies.  When asked why, he simply explained that there is no room in this league anymore for that type of player.  This is the part of what he said that I agree with; "(Shanahan) needs a telephone receptionist in his house because of all of this crap that's going on on the ice," said Burke. "These guys that won't back it up, won't drop their gloves, run around and elbow people in the head and hit people from behind. They never have to answer for that in the game, they used to have to answer for that in the game...You see guys that run around and start stuff and won't back it up and it makes me sick to my stomach.”

This came on the heels of a 2 game suspension to Minnesotas Nate Prosser.  It would appear that Torres is a slow learner.  Following his beatdown from Darth Quaider, Torres was right back up to his old tricks, and caught the attention of the NHL disciplinarian after pulling shit in 3 straight games.  Sure, the beatdown from Adam McQuaid was probably punishment enough, but he should have learned his lesson.  This is the dirty type of rat that Burke is describing.  Fucking ridiculous piece of shit, skates around and throws elbows and because of the instigator rule, anyone says or does anything about it is subject to further penalty.  Lets look at the timeline for Torres.  First incident, a head shot on Andrew Ference.  And yes, I fully expect Beezer and Sully to comment on the background scenery at the 55 second mark.

No suspension for that incident.  Next incident, during the very next game, another headshot on Colorado's Jan Hejda.

And then, the NHL finally decides to do something after Torres leaves his feet to hit Nathan Prosser. 

Want to see the elbowing and chicken shit play stop?  Easy...scrap the instigator rule.  Done deal, hold the little pricks accountable.  And Burke...go buy a fucking tie you piece of shit.

I like to see Tortorella go off once in awhile.  He is extremely knowledgeable, and is one hell of a good coach.  Torts very rarely holds back when something irritates him, and the officiating in the Winter Classic was no exception.  After Torts went and vented that maybe the officials and NBC were trying to get the game to an overtime period.  From my perspective, there were some phantom calls that shouldn't have been called.  The penalty shot was one, as from my perspective, bullshit.  There is to be an automatic penalty shot if a player other than the goalie closes his hand on the puck in the crease.  I didn't see that happen, but it still received a penalty shot.  There were a couple of other calls that were a little shady, and Torts found himself $30,000 lighter in the wallet for his comments.  Once I watched that, I knew it was going to be a substantial sum for a fine.  You cannot go on tv and bash the broadcaster that Bettman has tried very hard to get in bed with.  Bettman and the NHL had to come down hard on Torts in order for Bettman to save face.  

This is what I knew would happen once the NHLPA decided that Fehr is the perfect candidate to run their union.  The NHLPA rejected the NHL's proposal for Conference re-alignment, stating that the players concerns about travel and the playoff format were not answered sufficiently enough.  Are you fucking serious?  As a result, Winnipeg will continue to fly to all their divisional games in the South Eastern United States.  The way I perceive this, I honestly believe that this is nothing but posturing prior to the upcoming negotiations.  Fehr and Bettman will not relate well, and that does not bode well for us hockey fans.  Get ready for another lockout.  If Fehr is willing to scrap Conference realignment, then we are going to be in for a long, long round of negotiations.

That is all I have for you this week.  Be sure to stop by and wish MiaTay all the best.  She has been my posting partner for some time now, and is taking a break from posting on Sundays.  However, the Gab is full of ultra talented and super passionate sports fans and I am sure that Stormin' Norman will be just fine.  

Thanks for stopping by and letting me get a few things off my chest.

And yes, is there any other choice for the fight of the week?

Hotchnuts

2011 was a year to remember for hockey fans.  Unfortunately, there were more downs than ups, and the positives were few and far between.  However, unlike ESPN’s year in review, there will be nothing but hockey in this one.  I will go through what I thought were either the most interesting, humorous and tragic moments of 2010. 

My playoff MVP?  This girl…

and the pg version of what Eager saw…

Absolutely fantastic!  But hey, she followed the rules set into motion by the Green Men; no touching the glass.  But maybe it would have been better if in the words of the great “Sir Mix-A-Lot”, she did “Put ‘Em On The Glass.”  And yes, I am sure some of you are going onto YouTube right now to watch the video.  The Beezer and Sully have probably already seen it multiple times.

My NHL Picture of the Year?  Simple…this…

As a Boston fan, nothing made me happier than to see an arrogant, self centered, idealistic prick like Kessel get taken down a notch or two.  You don’t want to play in Boston?  Good…go rot in Toronto you fucking selfish prick.  Judging by his rapid descent at the NHL Entry Draft, the scouts knew about his lack of team playing ability.  Well, it turns out that the rest of the NHL has that premonition as well.  And everyone was hard on this guy for taking the picture that we are all enjoying today.  And to him, I say thank you Ovie.  There, that is probably the only time I will thank him for anything.

My goal of the year?  And no, it isn’t from the NHL.  It is scored by Nick Boyer, a 17 year old forward of the Strathroy Rockets.  Why does it get my vote?  Sure, there may have been arguably prettier goals scored in the NHL this year, but keep in mind, this is a 17 year old scoring this one, and for that, it gets the nod from Hotchnuts.

Santa came early for me this year when Colin Campbell stepped down from his position in the NHL as head disciplinarian and Shanahan took over.  Now, it is turning into the year of the Shanaban as some will call it.  Personally, I think it is just Shanahan trying to regain control of a playground where the kids were allowed to run amok for a number of years without any fear of discipline.  Shanahan came out of the gate swinging, and set a preseason record for number of suspensions.  It slowly is tapering down, but it still may remain of the year of the concussion.  Is it because there is such an emphasis placed on diagnosis that more are being caught?  Are the teams doctors becoming better educated on the issue and ensuring that the players receive the correct support and treatment?  We are still a long ways away from seeing the end of this issue, but I feel that this year hasn’t had a spike in number of concussions received.  When the flagship player of the NHL is sidelined for 10 months due to a concussion, you can bet that it is going to garner a fair amount of media attention.

In 2011, we saw the return of the Winnipeg Jets.  For many that were paying attention to the saga, many thought that it was going to be the Coyotes that returned, including myself.  However, True North Entertainment remained dedicated in returning hockey to Winnipeg and they purchased the Atlanta Thrashers.  For many of the players that came over in the deal, they probably felt something that they didn’t feel in Atlanta; pure excitement and passion for the game.  The longtime players for the Thrashers were treated to maximum capacity for their practices.  In an arena of 15,500, the Jets were able to sell 13,000 season tickets, and many of those were on 5 year plans.  As a result, the immediate future looks very profitable in Winnipeg.  Will the Jets return to the playoffs this season?  I’m thinking they’ll make it before the leafs will.

Get to know the name Zung Nguyen.  He did something that had never been done before.  Some may view him as an innovator.  Others may view him as a sick fuck.  Me?  I find a shitload of humor in this.  Here is the short version of the story.  Nguyen played in the New England Senior Hockey League for the Rogue Squadron.  During a game against Young Guns (yes, I agree...every city probably has a dozen teams with this original name), Nguyen became involved in a fight with Dave Bermingham.  During the fight, which Nguyen lost soundly, one of Berminghams gloves was thrown over the glass into the stands.  After both players were ejected from the game, Bermingham went for a shower.  Nguyen, went to the section of the stands where Bermie's glove had landed.  Players from Nguyens team just figured that he was going to talk to his girlfriend that had come to watch the game.  Nguyen picked up Bermie's glove and made his way to the zamboni area of the rink.  Bermie's teammates saw Nguyen crouched down, but didn't think anything of it.  Nguyen then went and returned the glove to where he had found it and went for his shower.  Bermie emerged from showering and getting changed, and went to pick up his glove.  After picking it up, Bermie actually put the fucking thing on, and found that it had been filled with fresh human shit.  Bermie rightfully snapped and showed the referee.  As a result, Nguyen was kicked out of the league.  Wow...I don't know what else to say about that.   

What a fucking disgrace and an embarrassment.  I don’t know what else to say about that.  The only thing that was guaranteed going into the Stanley Cup Finals, was that win or lose, Vancouver was going to riot.  I was embarrassed as a Canadian and as a hockey fan to see what unfolded following Vancouver’s game 7 loss to the Bruins.  Now, I know the rioters don’t speak for all of the Vancouver Canuck fans out there, but you have to admit, the acts of the many severely outweighed the acts of the few.  I hope Vancouver never makes the Finals again.  I can’t understand it though…after the Winter Olympics in Vancouver when the Canadian Men won Gold, no riots, no problems.  Are Olympic hockey fans different than NHL fans?  I doubt it; there were many more security measures in place for the Olympics, as well as a MASSIVE military presence behind the scenes.

This is, without a doubt, the highlight of the year for me.  The last time that the Bruins had won the Cup, was the year that I was born.  This is the first time that one of my favorite teams has won the championship in their respective leagues.  And for those of you following at home, my other teams are the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Indians.  Yup…no championships in their immediate future I’m thinking.  GM Peter Chiarelli has definitely done a good job with this team, and the core group of their players are locked up for the next few years.  Could this team win more Stanley Cups?  I’m hoping so.  And Boston fans, thank you for celebrating with class.

The KHL lost an entire team in September; the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl when their team plane crashed shortly after takeoff.  In total, 43 people on board perished in the crash that was caused when the pilot accidentally hit the brakes during takeoff, resulting in the plane failing to reach the required speed for a safe takeoff.  The crash affected the entire hockey world, and claimed the lives of former NHL’ers Pavol Demitra, Alexander Karpovtsev, Igor Korolev, Brad McCrimmon, Karel Rachunek, Ruslan Salei, Karlis Skrastins, Josef Vasicek, and Alexander Vasyunov among others.  The entire KHL and NHL held moments of silence and ceremonies to honor those that lost their lives.

The Summer of 2010 was by far the most tragic that the NHL has experienced.  3 players were taken from us far too soon.  Derek Boogaard passed away after a dangerous combination of alcohol and oxycodone took him in his sleep.  Boogaard was an effective gentle giant, and had the respect of all of his teammates and their fans.  Boogaard was extremely effective in toning down the pace of a game.  All it sometimes took was just a menacing stare or the odd shift to calm down the chippiest of games.

After spending 6 seasons with the Canuck organization, Rick Rypien was dealt to the Winnipeg Jets.  Unfortunately, Rick never had the opportunity to play with his new team.  Rick had battled clinical depression, and was given two leaves of absences from the Canucks to deal with his personal issues.  However, Rick took his own life on August 15^th, a day after he was supposed to fly to Winnipeg to have his knee evaluated.  Canucks and Jets fans held vigils in his honor, and both teams held tributes.

Wade Belak was the third NHL’er that was taken from us far too soon.  Everyone that knew Belak described him in the same way; funny and the class clown.  Wade was selected 12^th overall in the 94 entry draft, and had all the makings of a power forward.  Wade was always there for his teammates, and was always in great spirits.  The cause of death was labeled as a suicide by the Toronto Police, where Belak was filming the newest season of “Battle of the Blades.”  His mother disclosed that Belak was suffering from depression and had been on medication for the last 4 -5 years.  Of all of the tragedies to befall hockey this summer, this one caught me extremely off guard.  Belaks personality was always light hearted and humorous.

Happy New Year to everyone here at the Gab and their families, and all the best in the New Year.  Benjamin Franklin said it best; “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”

Thanks for stopping by.  Hotchnuts

I would like to wish a Merry Christmas to all of my fellow Gabbers and their families.  That’s right…Merry Christmas.  It’s only a matter of time before we can’t even say that anymore without offending anyone, but fuck it. 

Sorry for the post last week, I ran into some technical difficulties and as a result, I am going back to my previous habit of creating the entry on Word before importing it over to the site.  This week, I am going to be looking back at the year in hockey that was, and I will be highlighting what I thought were the top fights of 2011.  We all know that there were a lot to choose from, and hopefully I don’t disappoint.  And yes, we are pretty much guaranteed an appearance or two from Cam Janssen and Brian McGrattan.

Number 10.

Jared Boll vs Brian McGrattan.

Number 9.

Matt Martin vs Zack Kassian

Number 8.

Tidball vs Theriault from the LNAH

and what does Theriault do after this fight?  Simple…plays air band in the penalty box, complete with tuning his stick/guitar.

That is just great entertainment.  But not the best bit of entertainment to come out of the LNAH…check the end for that little tidbit.

Number 7.

Cam Janssen vs Krys Barch

Number 6.

Cam Janssen vs Michael Haley

Number 5.

Mason Geertsen vs Andy Blanke.  Why does this one make the list?  Easy answer…Geertsen (in white) is a 16 year old in the WHL and Blanke is a 19 year old.  Enough said.

Number 4.

Brian McGrattan vs Cam Janssen.  Janssen has always been a strong finisher, and he shows us that in this tilt.

Number 3.

Krys Barch vs Cam Janssen

Number 2.

Steve MacIntyre vs Eric Neilson

And your number 1 fight of 2011...

Number 1.

Brett Gallant vs Joel Rechlicz

There you go Gabbers.  Hopefully you all agree, and if not, let me know.  We all know that there are an assload of fights from all of hockey to go through.  And quite frankly, it would have been rather simple to make this a top ten with only Cam Janssen or Brian McGrattan.  The more I watch Janssen fight, the more I respect the way he does his job.  McGratton is a feel good story in itself.  After battling substance problems and entering the NHL treatment program, he is back in the NHL and doing his job very well.

Earlier I mentioned the greatest piece of entertainment to come out of the LNAH.  Well, here you go.  During a pre-game skate in 2005, Derek Parker and Jon Mirasty get into a good tilt at around the 1:30 mark.  And what does Parker do after the fight?  At the 3:00 minute mark, you can see Parker on the left hand side of the screen.  I was hoping Mirasty and Parker would see who could do that better.

Now, I am wrap up my final entry of the year with some of the NHL Ice Girls doing what they do best.  Looking good.

Merry Christmas to everyone and your families.  Enjoy the break and I'll see you in another week.

Hotchnuts

Maple Leaf progress update...just like I told you last week, the loafs would be lucky to win one of their three games this past week.  They are still holding onto the 6th playoff spot, 1 point in front of Buffalo and 2 points in front of Washington.  Do I ever feel confident in this bet.

Now...allow me to clarify one issue that has been getting a fair bit of media attention.  Sure, Anisimov was a fucking douche for what he did.  But, Downie did NOT leave the bench to join the scrum.  Earlier in the play, Brett Connolly had taken a Bergeron shot off the leg and was making his way to the bench.  As he was making his way to the Tampa bench, Downie sat on the dasher of the board for a line change.  The Rangers attacked up the ice, with Anisimov scoring.  Once Connolly and Moore reached the Tampa bench, Downie entered the playing surface.  Simple line change;  do a quick head count and you will see that there are only 5 players from each team involved.  No reason for supplemental discipline; what Downie did was complete a line change.  That's all.  Am I wrong?  If so, tell me and validate your response.  Downie was clearly ready for a line change based on his position on the boards and the whistle had blown.  Line change, that's all it was.  Sure, it was a tricky situation, but in my opinion, a simple line change.

Simple douchebag move by Anisimov.  Sure, one can argue that Selanne did that one back in the '90's while with the Jets, but Anisimov is no Selanne.  Good on Torts for speaking out on the lesson Anisimov learned from all of this. 

First of all, Sutton stands at a mere 6'6".  There is no earthly reason why someone of that stature should need to leave his feet to hit someone that is 6'4".  Was 8 games enough to get the message across to Sutton?  One of those things we will have to wait and see.  By the book, Sutton is a repeat offender.  He has already been suspended for 5 games this season, and this 8 game ban is the third in Suttons career which started back in 1999-00 with the San Jose Sharks.  For the type of hockey that Sutton plays, I would have expected him to have been suspended more than three times over the span of a 12 year career.

What is happening in Tampa?  They have a highly offensive team with one of the most dynamic scorers in the league.  And Guy Boucher has them playing a defensive style of game that hampers the offensive output of their team.  I can't make sense out of that.  Obviously, judging by their 12-15-2 record and their 13th place standing in the Eastern Conference, it doesn't appear to be working.  Cut them loose Boucher, let your players play.  Sure, it worked well last year, but I am thinking teams are on to your game plan.  You are not Jacques Lemaire.  Cut your players loose and let them play, or maybe it is time that Yzerman cuts him loose.

The Penguins star players just keep sinking themselves.  With all the ruckus that they have caused in regards to preventing head injuries, we have had their two biggest stars try to cause head injuries themselves.  First of all, there was the Crosby elbow on Foligno...

And now, we have Malkin trying to take off Giroux' melon.  Good thing Giroux grew up on the rough and rugged streets of Hearst, Ontario.  The stories that Giroux could tell about how rough the streets are in the logging town of 5600 people.  That was sarcasm by the way...

All I have to say is this; if someone takes off a Penguins melon this season, Lemieux needs to keep his fucking pie hole shut.  Makes you curious if Malkin would have received a phone call from the league if Giroux wasn't such a fucking ninja and dodged it.

And now for your fight of the week...

McGrattan vs Parros

and as well, your weekly entertainment from the LNAH.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

Hotchnuts