Campbell’s Cuts: Big Bert, the bottomless Buds and other particulars
Todd Bertuzzi skates against Shane O'Brien. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)
Ken Campbell
2008-10-13 10:22:00
Some Monday morning musings for your dining and dancing pleasure:
• When are NHL decision makers, most of whom are usually astute judges of hockey talent, going to finally come to the realization they should have years ago – that Todd Bertuzzi is not only no longer an impact player in the league, but he’s more of a detriment than a contributor to his team?
If Bertuzzi were just lumbering and slow, that would be one thing. But it’s clear Bertuzzi has absolutely zero ability to manage his emotions and continues to get his teams in trouble by taking stupid penalties.
His flying elbow at Daniel Sedin’s head Saturday night was easily a suspendable offense and proves Bertuzzi has learned nothing from the Steve Moore incident. Then his hit from behind on Ryan Johnson later in the period almost cost the Calgary Flames the game in regulation time.
The Flames are Bertuzzi’s fourth team in the past three seasons. There’s a reason for that.
• Kudos to Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson for declaring that it’s “irrelevant” how his team is handling the Toronto media. As a former member of the day-to-day chroniclers of the Maple Leafs, it always mystified me how much importance some members of the media gave themselves.
But darts to Wilson for falling into the trap himself, because Wilson can be awfully testy dealing with people he supposedly thinks are irrelevant. It has also mystified me how players and coaches willingly came to Toronto and were willing to accept all the adulation that comes with being a mediocre hockey team in this market, then complained about the scrutiny under which they placed themselves.
The Toronto media corps is not a difficult one. It has grown to not expect much from this franchise and when you put it up against some other cities and other sports, it is tame by comparison. But it is an enormous contingent with a bottomless appetite for all things Maple Leaf. With that comes a lot of scrutiny and even the occasional stupid question.
If Wilson can’t deal with that, perhaps he should go coach in Florida where he’d have to show his identification card to get into the arena.
• Speaking of the Maple Leafs, if they’re truly interested in rebuilding, wouldn’t this be the perfect time to trade Tomas Kaberle to the Pittsburgh Penguins? The Penguins are without both Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney long-term and need a puck-moving defenseman to get the puck up to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
The Maple Leafs could ask for Jordan Staal and probably get laughed at, but certainly Kaberle could fetch a rather impressive array of draft picks and young players. Kaberle would have to approve of a deal, but the chance to go to the Penguins would probably do it.
• The Ottawa Senators are going nowhere this season if they continue to get the kind of goaltending they got from Martin Gerber in his first two starts. They could easily be 3-0-0 right now, but largely because of Gerber, they’re 1-1-1.
• Things for which I’m thankful on Canadian Thanksgiving: 1. The quiet brilliance of Joe Sakic. 2. The loud brilliance of Alex Ovechkin. 3. The goaltending and sincerity of Martin Brodeur. 4. The Montreal Canadiens power play. 5. Another NHL season. 6. Another minor hockey season with the Ted Reeve Hockey Association. 7. Road hockey with my two boys and their friends in the driveway on a sunny October afternoon. 8. Hockey Night in Canada. 9. TSN’s between periods panel. 10. The opportunity to cover the greatest sport in the world.
• Repeat after me: The instigator rule does not need to be repealed. In the first 31 games of this season, there were 25 fights and in only three of them was an instigator identified. That’s an average of one in every 8.3 fights. That’s not a deterrent, no matter what the knuckledraggers say about it.
• For those of you keeping score at home: 1. There has been just one shootout through the first 31 games this season. 2. Rookie NHL coach Dave Allison had just two wins in 25 games with the Ottawa Senators in 1995-96. Rookie coach Todd McLellan of the San Jose Sharks has three wins in his first three games. 3. The Portland Winter Hawks of the Western League have five goals in their first seven games. Seven players in the WHL have more goals than the Winter Hawks have this season.
Ken Campbell is a senior writer for The Hockey News and a regular contributor to THN.com. His blog appears Wednesday and Fridays and his column, Campbell's Cuts, appears Mondays.
For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine.
Knuckledragger (Posted 2008-10-21 14:48:47)
"...that Todd Bertuzzi is not only no longer an impact player in the league, but he’s more of a detriment than a contributor to his team?"
Still think so Ken ?
Know anybody else who has five goals already that is "a detriment" or who "is no longer an impact player"?
Dieter Kelly (Posted 2008-10-20 12:49:59)
Sounds like some folks out there are just now figuring out that who a player is has as much to do with a penalty call as what a player does. Bert is getting hammered for a hit that may or may not have really happened while Malkin gets 2 mins. for skating half the width of the rink to board Semin in retaliation for the pounding he was taking from the Capitals (mostly Ovechkin). This week Malkin should be wearing the goon tag. Let's see who earns it next week.
Winghater (Posted 2008-10-18 23:30:06)
First off, I've got to say that I'm a fan of fighting in hockey and I used to think Ken was nuts when he was spouting off about not liking fighting in the game. I am with him 100 percent though when he says that the NHL should get rid of the goons. I would much rather see guys like Iginla, Lecavalier, and Morrow fight because they are legitimately pissed at someone instead of seeing untalented thugs like Peters and Brashear fight each other AGAIN for the 57th time.
N.Jewett (Posted 2008-10-16 09:46:51)
Jordan Staal. Read the coloumn
Todd (Posted 2008-10-15 18:51:41)
Did you miss my 2 goals last night?
Flyer guy (Posted 2008-10-15 18:22:51)
You can't be talking about Eric Staal can you? If so you're dreaming.
N.Jewett (Posted 2008-10-15 15:50:16)
Van Ryan, Collaiacovo and Kulemin for Staal, not Kaberle
Ryan Johnson (Posted 2008-10-15 15:44:55)
Good article. I have to agree with most of the comments regarding the Bertuzzi hit from behind however. Same thing happens at least a dozen times a game and in fact Bertuzzi was hit from behind moments afterwards; maybe he should have gone to the ice like he had been shot. Maybe it was a tough call for the refs on the ice but it is definitely poor support for a "Bertuzzi doesn't belong in the league" article a day later.
Duncan McCockenue (Posted 2008-10-15 15:05:18)
This was ridiculous commentary on Bert. The guy has a goal a game so far. Last night he had 2 and chances for 2-3 more. And that Johnson penalty? C'mon, thats your argument? That guy looked like he was hit by an invisible truck. Why dont you focus on other gems like Hollweg? Bert's gotta have one of the lowest $/goal ratio so far in the league.
Matt (Posted 2008-10-15 13:50:01)
Great article Ken...lumbering, slow and averaging a goal a game.
Brandon (Posted 2008-10-15 12:32:36)
Hey Ken, with comments like that about Bertuzzi it seems as if you have never even skated in a game before. If you haven't maybe you should and if you have take the soother out of your mouth and play the game. Get over it its a rough, emotional game always will be. Bertuzzi will have a good year this year.
Dintrox (Posted 2008-10-15 10:47:25)
Big Bert scored 2 goals last night. Guess He ain't washed up just yet...
Flamer89 (Posted 2008-10-15 08:08:24)
Hmmmm, 3 goals in 3 games, including game winner last night. Yeah, so far I can totally see your point about Bertuzzi not being an impact player and not being a contributor to the team Mr. Campbell. Keep up the good work. Who knows, with your excellent perception, you might end up a GM in the NHL yet.
Gordon (Posted 2008-10-15 02:46:42)
yeah, starting the season with three goals in three games....i haven't really liked the way the guy has played in the last few seasons but he hasn't really got the ice time either. Bert is going to get prime minutes this year and so far he seems to be responding. If he can keep his confidence and his legs moving, he will be an elite power forward again.
11 Cups (Posted 2008-10-15 00:58:56)
Scored a couple goals tonight. Still a lumbering GOON.
Mike (Posted 2008-10-14 20:31:01)
I am an Oiler fan: but I agree with the pro Bertuzzi comments: I like the guy, the Van guy dove big time, my buddy and I were screaming at the t.v. I would love Bert on Edmonton. I hope he has a really good yr.
T.Roy (Posted 2008-10-14 19:39:11)
Hey matt. You can fit Bertuzzi in your Calgary lineup. One place he is proven not wanted and is definetly not a good fit is a Winning clean playing team called Detroit. Keep the goon on the west side of your country.
Lawrence (Posted 2008-10-14 18:41:03)
Johnson clearly dove but I couldn't help but think that it was a makeup call for the missed elbow to Sedin. Bertuzzi will be watched very closely and what Johnson did was smart. Given Bertuzzi's reputation, most divers will get the benefit of the doubt if they are within 50 feet of Bertuzzi.
Bertuzzi lacks intensity. From what I've seen from him so far, he floats through the slot and waves his stick at shots. That's how he scored Saturday. Just like when he got hurt in the preseason, he was facing the shot backwards. Unless you're Sean Avery and you're getting in Brodeur's kitchen, you're not gonna be effective facing the wrong way. His footspeed is better but his head is still behind the play. Just doesn't read the play quick enough.
Rutiger (Posted 2008-10-14 18:17:21)
Positives - Bertuzzi is big and has good hands.
Negatives - Bertuzzi is slow, floats, doesn't backcheck and takes stupid penalties.
It isn't whether the penalties he took were deserved, he's always late to the puck and the refs watch him like a hawk. So when he has to grab, cross check, or whatever to get the puck from another player, he gets called.
based on what I saw in those first two games he's playing the same way he did in his last year in Vancouver
MATT (Posted 2008-10-14 17:28:24)
interesting how Bert's reputation precedes him. He took crap night after night playing regular hockey, while more dangerous plays happened and got no attention. He's no angel on the ice, but last year he was oft a "criminal" for sticking up for his teammates. Flames fans....hopefully he can maintain form for more than a few weeks. He's the most perplexing player ive ever watched..
Andrew N (Posted 2008-10-14 17:15:26)
sounds like a lot of flames fans reading this....
glasses might help your vision possibly???
Mr. William (Posted 2008-10-14 15:47:37)
How about if we wait a few more games before judging how Bertuzzi will do with the Flames? Oh, Brian Kemp, that 10 game suspension was not for a cheap shot it was for leaving the penalty box during a line brawl to help a teammate who had two guys beating on him. It was stupid of him but not a cheap shot. Finally, what was Ryan Johnson doing? It's one thing to take a dive if you are getting tripped but predending to crash into the boards head first is pretty silly, it seems like a good way to injure yourself.
M Brown (Posted 2008-10-14 15:43:07)
seriously Campbell, do you actually watch Flames games. Bertuzzi hardly touched the guy and he jumped into the boards like he'd been hit by a truck. Don't insult the intelligence of your readers anymore.
Steven Noble (Posted 2008-10-14 15:38:04)
Weather Bert can play or not is always up for debate. While I think he can still contribute and be a top-six forward on any team when he's healthy, the question you pose is mostly aimed at his reinvigorated, feisty style of play.
I don't understand why you call Bet out for playing physical and nasty when that's all every other pundit is saying he needs to do to be effective. His coaches are probably saying the same thing. One thing's for sure, if I'm him and everyone and their mother is saying for me to be effective again, like I was five-seven years ago, otherwise I'm on my way out of the league, then I'm going to get out there and do my damndest to lay people out, make space and prove that I can still play the game.
To each their own, but I think Bert's play so far looks a lot like a return to form and say what you will, but he's winning over Flames fans in a hurry.
K-GAR (Posted 2008-10-14 14:40:00)
Hey Campbell,
Have you ever seen a what a calf moose looks like when it's shot by a 30.06, it looks alot like Ryan Johnson did when Bert's shin pad hits the back of his calf. Now that's embarrassing, the embelishment. I would be proud to make it to the nhl,I would never flop around on the ice like a fish out of water, not even in my Industrial League. Bert's not the player he was 6 years ago but he's still good enough to be on the first line of almost every team in the nhl. I'd love to see him in a Leaf uni.! At least Bert would never flop on the ice like a spineless Jelly fish!
Ben (Posted 2008-10-14 14:32:43)
Hey Ken, not sure if you actually watched the game on Saturday but you could maybe take your next ridiculous rant and focus on another black mark on the game of hockey - the dive. The Canucks resemble some sort of European soccer team, led by their diving captain Bobby Lu.
Matt (Posted 2008-10-14 14:18:28)
I think Bertuzzi has been a great fit so far with the Flames and will continue to improve. The overwhelming bias against him has grown exhausting...he's a cancer in the dressing room? Says who..? All I have seen so far is he and Iggy with big grins on their face...Sean Avery should reconsider his analysis on Iggy and the Flames...with Bertuzzi and Keenan they are the obvious villain of the NHL. Campbell, you need to get over it...
11 Cups (Posted 2008-10-14 12:49:16)
Get this lumbeering GOON out of the league. He can go get a job with the WWE. At the rate it's going the NHL will be a junior league if you let this go on. A 5-10 game suspenion is a vacation to these idiots.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-10-14 12:02:18)
Just a couple of things...Justin, that wasn't his first ugly incident. He was suspended 10 games in 01-02 for some cheap shot (can't remember what). He was considered a cancer in Vancouver, and certainly wasn't worth what they paid him in Anaheim. That being said, for two million for two years, he's worth the gamble Sutter is taking on him. If he get's any of his old game back, money well spent, and if he's a waste, well, it's not that much money. I think the guy is a douchebag, but I also think he needs a fair shake. It doesn't sound like the majority of fans agree with you on the Johnson hit, Mr. Campbell. Let Todd live or die with what he does this year, not 5 year old stuff. Also, Justin, Iron Mike has a Cup because Mark Messier and company dragged him kicking and screaming to the mountain top. Moose had to tell him to sit down, shut up and stay the heck out his way. That's why he's got a cup ring, not because he's any better than average as an NHL coach. There's a reason he's fired after a couple of seasons in every city. His act wears thin, and he usually leaves a mess for someone else to clean up.
Brian (Posted 2008-10-14 11:55:41)
James Finney... Iginla ASKED Sutter to bring Bertuzzi to Calgary..I hardly think he has a problem with Bert being on the team since HE IS THE REASON the Flames imported Big Bert...
..and speaking of the instigator penalty, the other m=night in the Vancouver/Clagary game, Phaneuf laid a big hit on a twin, a nice, open ice, CLAN hit, and he was jumped and forced to fight...why, oh why, was the INSTIGATOR penalty NOT called there againsy VAncouver ???
..and oh yeah; Canucks Suck, so do the OIlers !!!
Tiggs (Posted 2008-10-14 10:42:28)
Iron mike is NOT on the chopping block. Sutter and ownership love him and he is EXACTLY the coah for The hard working, gritty Calgary team and as for Bertuzzi: give it a rest. Let the guy play hockey. Cambell: why don't you read and see how many people actually agree with you: not many. So just stop, the arguement doesn't work anymore
Marcus Hirsch (Posted 2008-10-14 10:37:57)
Can the writers at THN please stop taking every shot at the Panthers that they possibly can? Said Panthers, where Ron Wilson would "have to show his identification to get into the building" will be in the hunt for a playoff spot, a division title, and will finish much higher that said Maple Leafs...
Get over it (Posted 2008-10-14 10:25:52)
whaa, whaa, whaa. cry some more you bunch of babies. There are far more aggressive players in the league than Bertuzzi, but they're never (or at least hardly) mentioned. Bertuzzi sticks up for his captain by trying to get back at the guy who took a cheap shot at Naslund to begin with (or none of that whole episode would have happened in the first place). Albeit, I realize the way he went about it wasn't the smartest move (mind you I'll spare my opinions on what might have happened differently had Moore simply fought earlier that game, or had the pile of 200 lb'rs not piled on top of him after the fact), but since then, that has branded Bertuzzi as the ultimate villan (the worst this game has ever seen by some, if not most, standards). Campbell is just stirring up controversy, like the media enjoys doing. Avery must be his writing advisor - glorifying the "bad" guys is the best way to grab attention. Those of you who agree with him are plain suckers for it.
Justin (Posted 2008-10-14 10:23:53)
Umm...he (Keenan) has the fourth most wins by a coach in NHL history, a stanley cup, cup final appearances, a winning record in the playoffs (I *think* over 100 wins) and likes to coach the type of style that fits in with the type of game that Darryl Sutter and Ken King and ownership want the Flames to play and that the Flames are famous for. And for all those who think Keenan is a monster in the dressing room, word is from the assistant coaches of the Flames that he's like a teddy bear in comparison to what Sutter was like.
You can't say Bertuzzi is classless for one punch (cheap shot, I won't argue that) that had an unsavory result. I've seen that type of punch more than once in the NHL, but that one just happened to cause serious injury. I'm not excusing it, it was horrible, but he's never done anything like that before or after to warrant being called classless or a goon. If you're going to go after him for that, why not go after Scott Stevens who was famous for nailing people with their heads down and giving them concussions (a good example is Eric Lindros who had his career ruined by a series of Scott Stevens hits, and we can all agree that is a greater tragedy for hockey than loosing Steve Moore). Better yet let's go after a player like Steve Downie, or Ryan Holleweg. These guys are goons, these guys are classless and are out to injure. And they have a history of it and constantly repeat. Bertuzzi has one incident. ONE.
And to those who say he can't play; I've been to the Flames games and have seen this guy. Despite what you all seem to think he CAN skate and skate well and he is actually surprisingly crafty with the puck. He might not dangle like Huselius did but he can pass better than him...*maybe* on the level of Tanguay. I mean this guy can really feed the puck, his playmaking ability is incredible. And what you all need to remember about his play over the past while is that he actually had a very good offensive season the year after the lockout (just forgive his HORRIBLE plus/minus that year) but following that in 06-07 he had back SURGERY. He didn't just have spasms, he had SURGERY. You don't just come back from something like that, he missed an entire season from it. Plus last year he had a concussion and that knocked him out of a bunch of games. Besides, when players come back from an injury they typically aren't fully healthy for a good 10 games or so, and that's just with a strained muscle or bruised ribs or something, not surgery.
Maxime (Posted 2008-10-14 09:54:51)
Bertuzzi is a classless individual who clearly snapped a cable the day Steve Moore's career ended. Do you think Iron Mike, who is already on the chopping block, will carry his rabid dog with him once he is asked to coach his 72nd team in the NHL? Because yes, even though everyone knows Mike Keenan is the worst coach ever (and that's saying much, said Mr. Tortorella), there is always a GM or a team president who gets a brain cramp and re-hires him. What does Mike Keenan hold on the NHL that lets him stay in its background?
Chief (Posted 2008-10-14 08:25:17)
The whole story on Bertuzzi is BS, He's an aggressive, physical player. This isn't the NFL this is the NHL.
Dennis USA (Posted 2008-10-14 08:15:45)
I missed the "vicious" elbow to the head, but there was no hit on Ryan Johnson. Bert completely missed him, save a bt of contact between knee and calf. That was a dive -- and not that skilled a one; I can't believe Johnson wasn't called! I agree that Betuzzi is finished, but not for the reasons some of you say. He's finished in this League only because he can't get a fair shake. His reputation does not afford him taht luxury.
James Finney (Posted 2008-10-14 07:29:30)
I can't believe that Iginla puts up with Bertuzzi on the team, if I were him, I'd talk the coach into scratching him.
Hedge Hog (Posted 2008-10-14 01:02:19)
Sedin could have been killed. Players like Bertuzzi are too big and tough to play in the NHL. We need to get rid of guys like him and get little guys like the Sedins. Get rid of Phaneuf and Pronger while you are at it and then you won't have any problem with hitting............Campbell! What are you doing!? You are going to ruin hockey with talk like that!
Derek (Posted 2008-10-14 00:28:21)
You do realize that, statistically speaking, the fact that very few fights have had an instigator means that the instigator rule is a very effective deterrent. I'll leave it up to you to decide which is better, more cheap shots or more vigilante justice, but your statistic proves beyond any doubt that a choice needs to be made.
Jim R (Posted 2008-10-14 00:14:06)
The Bertuzzi hit on Johnson was a penalty AND a dive. Both should have been called. The flying elbow to Daniel Sedin's head was viscious and missed by the officials and I agree with Mr. Campbell that it was easily a suspendable offense. Bertuzzi is a cancer. He's washed up. Finished.
chris (Posted 2008-10-13 23:59:20)
I like your articles,but I think Pittsburg would be better off using the defense that they have,(the second leading playoff scorer in the AHL playoffs d-man Goligoski),& Letang,rather than losing some talent to aquire Kaberle ,who has been a minus player for ever.Give the kids a chance!
dave (Posted 2008-10-13 22:52:13)
Bertuzzi's hit from behind was clearly a huge dive, a big embelishment. Bertuzzi played a solid game and it was a shame he got that penalty because he certainly didn't deserve it.
Mike (Posted 2008-10-13 21:12:52)
Bertuzzi had a great game and he was into it, that was NOT an elbow to the head but a stupid dive that clearly worked. Let the guy play hockey for ****** sake. He has a lot to offer, if you "experts" will actually get you heads out of the clouds and realize you judging him based on the past not the present, maybe we will nothave to read anymore of these ridiculous articles. He isn't doing anything that any other player isn't doing: excpet those of you who can't seem to forgive and forget will make more of everything he does everytime. If the guys sneezes you 'll write some lame article on how Bertuzzi created the first tornando in Calgary. Give it a rest cause I'll tell you something: a lot of us our really sick of it..The tide is turning in Berts favour and it is about time!
whatsthatsmell (Posted 2008-10-13 20:40:07)
I'd try to get rid of Kubina first. Then he can play with his old linemate Gill.
hemsky83 (Posted 2008-10-13 19:42:35)
The Leafs trade Kaberle to the Pens for Tyler Kennedy, Jeff Taffe and a draft pick. Even Cliff should get a better deal than this for Kaberle, right?
McCann (Posted 2008-10-13 18:19:02)
Have to agree with whatsthatsmell; two completely different teams.
t-murder (Posted 2008-10-13 17:35:31)
the instigator rule does not need to be repealed. When someone like hollweg puts a dirty hit on another player he gets hit where it hurts the most, his wallet. They get their pay checks taken and they get suspended.
Reggie (Posted 2008-10-13 17:26:45)
You mean the same detroit red wings who lost to the Maple Leafs?
whatsthatsmell (Posted 2008-10-13 17:25:21)
A little unfair comparing Allison to McClellan don't you think. Lets face it, there is a pretty big difference in the talent pool between the two teams.
Shane (Posted 2008-10-13 16:39:35)
I think you're missing the boat on Gerber. He played an outstanding game against Detroit. Yes, he allowed three goals- but he did so on 40+ quality shots. Against the Detroit Red Wings. Yes, THOSE Detroit Red Wings. The same ones that won the cup last year without a very stiff challenge throughout the playoffs- and are predicted to win it again this year.
The Sens did not play well, but Gerber kept them in the game.
colin (Posted 2008-10-13 15:37:12)
The instigator rule DOES need to be repealed - do you think that the cheap-shot artists like Hollweg and Tootoo would be able (or willing) to ply their trade if they knew that they'd get their arses handed to them immediately afterwards? Sure, keep the third-man rule. But when a goon checks a kid into the boards from behind and then only gets a 2 for roughing while the kid's teammate who comes to his defense gets 2-5-10, that's just totally wrong.
thedeke (Posted 2008-10-13 15:12:08)
I'm a Canucks fan, and I thought Bert actually wasn't bad. Ryan Johnson dived, and you should have been able to see that on the replay. The refs should have seen that, too. Bert wasn't bad - it's just that some media members have it out for him after that bone-headed Moore incident.
Adrienne (Posted 2008-10-13 14:54:45)
Gotta love the Sharks' performance so far. I think we were all holding our breath to see how they'd play in their new system...and so far, so good. McClellan is a great change from Ron Wilson, but we won't know how great until the playoffs!
Mike Wilson (Posted 2008-10-13 14:02:21)
It seems to be forgotten that Bertuzzi had a goal in that game, albeit a lucky one, and played what i thought to be a very effective game, i don't see how he can be called a detrimental player on the basis of a complete dive by Johnson.
Clyde (Posted 2008-10-13 13:25:15)
AWESOME dive! Bert had no choice but to hope for an uncommonly good call. Too bad the Canucks didn't score on the ensuing PP. Ryan Johnson = smart hockey.
Chris Fung (Posted 2008-10-13 13:11:11)
The Ryan Johnson hit was a complete dive, he shouldn't be in the National Hockey League, in fact the Italian National Soccer Team has a spot for him already. This article is completely misguided, and I'm not even a Flames fan but I know that hit from Bertuzzi was nothing more than a tiny push that was over-exaggerated. Congratulations to the refs and Ryan Johnson for pointing out how flawed officiating in the NHL is.
Ted (Posted 2008-10-13 12:58:49)
For the less than 2 million Bertuzzi is getting I think he's a great fit on the Flames. They really need him up front, he and Iginla were the two standouts on offense for me on Saturday. I thought the Johnson hit was fine, barely touched him. As for Wilson, I care less if he's testy and insulting with the Toronto media. All they're going to do is rip apart and leafs about how much they suck this year, why should he be polite and professional with that crowd of vultures? Everybody that follows the NHL already knows that they're going to suck this year. If they lose there isn't anything to say about it because on paper they should lose most games this year. If they win its because the other team didn't play as well as they could have.
Rangers57 (Posted 2008-10-13 12:02:57)
Holy Cow! Here we are just 2-3 games into the season and the media is already RIPPING teams and Coaches. How about reporting on some meaningful stories with a little basis and STOP with the nonsense reporting on stories that at this stage of the NHL season just doesn't mean anything. IDEA! Stop creating stories just for circulation purposes and report on topics that have some basis to them!
Patrick (Posted 2008-10-13 11:06:24)
Only two games (1 weak, the other one great) played and already dashing on Gerber (again)? Unclassy move in my opinion.
Leaffan (Posted 2008-10-13 11:00:03)
Wilson's right. The Toronto media seems to think they have all the answers.(In their own minds) Stop asking such STUPID questions. Every one knows the Leafs are not a good team this year or maybe for the next few years. Stop critizing the team and players and let them play. You guys are not on the ice. All your looking for is a story, any story. Just understand that this is what it is going to be. Detriot did not play its game the other night and the leafs were lucky to win. Montreal exposed Toronto as to what kind of year it is going to be. Media? Understand that. everyone else has. The Toronto media is a joke. Radio, print and TV.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Tom
orrin (Posted 2008-10-13 10:54:47)
A guy takes a dive and you take chop at Bertuzzi. I watched the play afew times it was a dive.
Brink (Posted 2008-10-13 10:47:52)
Happy Thanksgiving to America's beret!! Here are 3 things that I'm grateful for in order.
1. My fiancee
2. My dog
3. That Christian Backman, Sean Avery and Ryan Hollweg don't play half their games at The Garden this season.
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