This is a joke. The NHL suspended Scott Hartnell 2 games for hitting Andrew Alberts last night. Are you serious? Why even bother suspend him at all? Listen, the hit Randy Jones put on Patrice was bad, but it was a hockey play. He shouldn’t have hit Bergeron when his back was to him, but it was two guys going after a puck. Nine times out of ten, Bergeron doesn’t even get hurt. The hit last night on Albert’s was totally uncalled for. Here was a guy that was on both knees, totally prone, and Hartnell saw him in time to pull up but chose to hit him. Where is the respect from the other guy? He could have seriously hurt Alberts. It was a cheap shot, and he should have gotten more than 2 games.

Where the fuck was the response from Boston? OK, you get the 5 minute power play. They didn’t seem interested in scoring as they worked the puck around and around. As soon as that PP is over, why is there not a fight? Another thing. I could care less about the fine and the suspension for instigating. Why isn’t there a fight when the Bruins go up 6-3 after Kobasew’s empty netter? And once again, Chara as Captain does nothing. I think at some point the NHL is going to go in reverse of what they want. At some point if this kind of behavior isn’t ended these guys are going to be forced to take matters into their own hands, and then the NHL will have a real problem. Players policing themselves, and honoring a code. They didn’t seem to like things that way, so this is what they get.

Another game and another cheap hit by a Flyer. Andrew Alberts was just sent to Queer Street by Philadelphia Flyer Scott Hartnell. Much like the other Flyer hits this season, this latest could have been avoided. Alberts was on both knees, and I understand Hartnell is finishing a check, but to hit someone in the head, while the player is defenseless….well, there is just no need for it. What is it going to take for the players in the NHL, and the Flyers in particular gain some respect for each other? Is someone going to have to be killed?

I think these Flyers are particularly dirty too. Eager came from very far across the ice to hit Chara from behind. Kudos to Ward for standing up to the big Captain. I am all for rough hockey. I just don’t like dirty hockey, and these Flyers are dirty.

I am coming to you live from the new Goonblog HQ on the other side of Acton! MOL and I moved last weekend, and we finally got cable installed Friday morning. Manny and the boys hooked me up for my plasma with a brand new HDMI cable, so I am now actually getting real HD. It’s awesome. I gave him and his buddy 5o bucks for a great install. I hope they spent it on beer.

With Internet and cable installed, I am typing this on my new HP desktop I scored through our employee purchase plan at work. To say this is a bad ass machine is an understatement. Quick highlights. PD 3.4 gig processor. 2X300 gig hard drives. 4 Gig memory. DVD everything. Here the capper: 21” HDTV LCD monitor. I have it hooked up to the cable box, so I can come in here and watch the games in HD while MOL enjoys Brothers and Crap, or Desperate Housewives or whatever the hell else is on. I am psyched. This machine is bad ass.

Moving on to the business at hand. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. This ’07 edition was a bit of a departure from my normative behavior around this time of year. I look forward to the night before Thanksgiving all year. It is by far my favorite holiday. Usually I drink my face off with people I hadn’t seen since the Thanksgiving prior and old friends I hang with all year. There is always someone totally random that shows up (Susan in ’06.) that makes the evening a lot more interesting. This year however, was a bit different. For starters, the only person that may enjoy Thanksgiving more than me, and newly minted US Citizen, Dave, was up in the motherland. To say I missed him around this year was an understatement. He has been the best at keeping in touch with everyone, so he always plans the best events. It was not the same without him around. Secondly, the red house is no more. Jim and James packed it in and moved to Sommerville, so that was out. Thirdly, I went to the Lowell Devils game the night before, and drove to my brother’s in Connecticut Wednesday night. It was an odd Thanksgiving, but at the same time, I liked it. It was nice to be able to actually EAT turkey, and have a normal conversation with people. As well as I got to hang with my Niece and Nephew, which is always a blast. Still though, some traditions must live on, so I am announcing it early. Mark your calendars now. The night before Thanksgiving next year will be right here at Goonblog HQ! Dave, I better see you at 4:30 brew in hand.

Although the Holiday was a bit different, it did afford me a lot of hockey action featuring two Goonblog favorites over the years. Wednesday I was in Lowell for the Pirates tilt. Gordie Dwyer was in the house, but not dressed for the game. I spoke with him for about 20 minutes, and it was great to see him. I would have to say he is the nicest kid I have ever met in hockey. He talked of his chance in Portland, and Sweden last year. He spoke of the family, and they are well. I’m not mental or anything, but it was good to see him and have a few minutes to talk to him. I hope they sign him up there because he deserves the shot.

Friday marked the return of Trevor Gillies, and Tom Rowe to the Paul. Tom has always been very high on Gillies, and signed him this off season. Gillies played about 10 shifts and took a bullshit charging call. I was close enough to hear him screaming at the clock operator, penalty box attendant, and hell anyone that would listen. He was yelling, “How can you guys watch these guys?! What a bunch of pussies! You haven’t had anyone tough here for 6 years since I left!” Everyone got a good chuckle out of it, but sadly, he is right. Later after getting in a fight with Lowell’s Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre with 3 minutes left in the third he chose to stay in the box as opposed to retiring to the dressing room. Gillies was heated because he felt JLGP had jumped him late in a shift as opposed to waiting for a draw. The fight was a good one in which Gillies landed some good hard shots, but JLGP landed some of his own too. I think he may have even cut Gillies on the chin. I would say it was a win for Gillies, but JLGP handled himself nicely. Being back in the box afforded Gillies more time to scream and yell, and when Lowell’s Mark Fraser took two near the end of the game, Trevor took the opportunity to yell over to Fraser. This I could also hear. He said, “He Fraser. Tell your boy to get me off a draw next time, not when I’ve been out there for 2 minutes. He’s a fucking coward!” It was pretty hilarious, and Fraser even managed a dry smile. While I agree it goes against the code to get a guy late like that, I think Trevor would have had more beef if it was one of the leagues real tough guys. Not some wanna be tough guy with two hyphenated names.

Yesterday was game three for me in Lowell, and it featured Gordie Dwyer again. This time he played, and he didn’t look too bad. Gordie is a surprisingly good skater for a rough and tumble winger, and gives an honest effort every shift. He took a crappy minor for elbowing, but other than that, there was no rough stuff from him. Lowell also actually played another hyphenated player, Pierre-Luc LeBlond. It was the first time I’d seen him play for Lowell, and he didn’t look out of place at all. Decent skater, and plays crash and bang. They should take note of the lineup they had yesterday and play it more often, as they finally won a fucking game, and looked interested in playing. Tonight is the Flyers and Bruins in the first tilt since Bergeron was sent into the press box for the rest of the year. I’d like to see an old Broad Street Bullies vs. The Big Bad Bruins type game, but in the new NHL, I am not sure that’s possible. Either way, I’ll be tuned in at the All New Goonblog HQ!

Can anyone tell me just what the hell is going on in the NHL these days? Seriously, what is up with some of these players? Have they lost their minds? Do they shut the hamster wheel off when they pull on the sweater?

Anyone catch what Mattias Ohlund from Vancouver did the other night to the Wild’s Mikko Koivu?

Sure Koivu tossed a well placed elbow to the side of Ohlund’s head as he was trying to avoid a hit but to swing the stick like Paul Bunyon and break another man’s leg??? I just don’t get it. Ohlund only got suspended 4 games while Koivu is out for much longer than that. Colin Campbell needs to really come down hard on some of these grotesque infractions. These half shield wearing woosies are getting away with murder on the ice. It’s high time the NHL eliminates the instigator rule and allows these boys to police themselves.

In a follow up to the never ending will he play this year or not saga around Bergie, Cam Neely was on WAAF radio this morning and said that the Bruins are preparing to play the entire season without Patrice Bergeron but are hoping he comes back. With the severity of a level 3 concussion, the recovery period is exclusive to each individual who goes through it. It’s not like knee surgery or a pulled hammy that has similar recovery time for everyone.

I would like to wish all Goon Blog loyalists a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Tweener is a constant source of information for Goonblog. He’s always sending me stuff from different fight related sites he peruses, and I appreciate it. Knowing I am a huge Gordie Dwyer fan, he passed on the information about him signing with the Portland Pirates last week. I was very happy to hear the good news, as Gordie is easily one of the nicest guys I have ever met. The Devils game the night before Thanksgiving is now must see, as the Pirates come rolling into town. Here’s hoping someone wants a piece of Mr. Dwyer.

Last I had heard of Gordie he was coaching in the Maritimes after being cut by the Islanders. I thought he was having a good camp, and I was kind of surprised he didn’t at least get sent to Bridgeport. He brings a ton of energy, and is a surprisingly good skater for a guy that plays the tough guy role. Often injured because of his reckless abandon style of play, but when he’s in the line up, he is a pest that will give you an honest effort every shift. I bet he’s a great guy in the room too. I am not sure of his pugilistic ability, as I have seen him lose more than win, he doesn’t seem to shy away from standing up for a teammate. I would like to see him stir the pot more, as he seems unwilling to drop the gloves in the AHL for the sake of dropping the gloves, but all in all, Portland is getting a fine minor leaguer in number 32. Good luck Gordie. See you on the 21st.

If I may get up on my soap box for a minute, I’d like to get a little Patriotic on everyone. This will have very little to do with fights, so if that’s all you’re into move on. If not read on. There are three important things I want to discuss.

First. I would like to say congratulations to our own Dave. Dave as you know is a proud Ameridan. That’s American and Canadian. Dave is Canadian by birth, but took the time and effort to become an American citizen. In a time when a lot of people are “embarrassed” to say they are American because of some of our policies, Dave has decided to stand among us, and pledge his allegiance to this great nation. I am happy he did it, and very proud of him for doing it. Now, start paying taxes.

How fitting Dave would become an American Citizen this week. By the way, can anyone type Citizen, or say Citizen without hearing Fitzy from the Departed saying “what are you? Fucking retarded?” Me neither. Anyway. Today, November 10th, is the 232nd Birthday of the world’s original enforcers, the Unites States Marine Corps. I plan to celebrate even though I have a wicked cold by getting into my Johnnie Walker Blue. One for me, one for the Corps, and one for the Commandant. Red Thunder and any other Marines out there, Happy Birthday. Semper Fi!

Lastly, Sunday is Veteran’s Day. No matter what uniform you wear or have worn, I am grateful to any and all service men and women everywhere. It is because of people like you defending our freedom that I can open my notebook and spout of the silly ramblings usually found in these posts. If you are in harm’s way, please keep your head down, and come home safe. Should you happen across anyone in uniform this weekend, please take a minute to shake their hand and say thanks. I know I will.

Congratulations go out to Dallas center Mike Modano who broke Phil Housley’s NHL record for career points by an American born player last night with two goals in the opening minutes of the Stars’ 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The record breaker came when the Sharks were on the power play and Modano scored a short handed goal. If you watch the replay, it almost looks like he fanned on the shot but it slipped past Evgeni Nabokov.

The top 5 now look like this:
# 1 Mike Modano with 1,233 points
# 2 Phil Housley with 1,232 points
# 3 Jeremy Roenick with 1,178 points
# 4 Joe Mullen with 1,063 points
# 5 Pat LaFontaine with 1,013 points

It took Modano 242 fewer regular season games than Housley. Modano has now moved into 35th place on the NHL’s career scoring list. In March of last year, Modano became the American career goal scoring leader. Sitting on the Sharks bench last night to witness this feat was none other than # 3 on the list above JR who is on his own mission for goal # 500 (he is currently at 499). Good luck to JR and continued success to Mike Modano.

Now that the month of SOXtober has come to a close & the Red Sox are the World Champions, I can dedicate myself more to the Goonary of pucks. I apologize for not contributing much the past few weeks but what can I say, I love the Red Sox and haven’t watched alot of pucks. From the sounds of it, I haven’t missed anything.

I attended two playoff games @ Fenway and had tickets for Games 1 & 2 of the World Series but had to pass them up as business called out of state. The first game I attended was game 2 vs. The Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim (quite possibly the longest name of a team in professional sports) on Friday night October 5th. Game time was 8:00 p.m. with a first pitch scheduled for 8:21 p.m. I headed into town with my buddy Rup a few hours before game time to oil up. We settled into 2 great seats within Boston Billiards and proceeded to throw down 22 bevies, a buffalo chicken sandwich and a burger between the two of us. I think Rup had me 12-10 on beers but neither one of us could figure the count out exactly! Good god we were bombed as we made our way into Fenway and to our seats located in the Bleachers.

Remember last year when I talked about the complimentary food I had thanks to a computer malfunction @ Fenway? Well it happened again kinda. After a handful of additional beers in the park I got hungry around the 5th inning, can’t be sure the exact inning as I was totally throttled at this point, so I made my way to the concession stands. I ordered up a slice of pizza from the ridiculously slow employees of Aramark working the concession stands. These oxygen wasters had about as much competency as my 9 month old. After receiving my slice of pepperoni, I had to wait in line to pay for it that was about 15 people deep (it may have only been 3 people but my vision was impaired). Needless to say, I grabbed my pie and headed to the exit not once looking back. That was the best f-n pizza I have ever had, thanks Aramark! An amazing game was played with Manny sending us into the night ecstatic with a walk off HR to win the game off of K-Rod. I even stayed awake during the ride home much to the surprise of Rup.

The next game was game 2 vs. Cleveland on Saturday night October 13th. I met up with my father in law about 30 minutes before game time so needless to say this game was nothing like the Angels game. A few beers, some peanuts and a Fenway frank were on the menu. No FREE food this trip as our seats were in the State Street Pavilion section so the concession lines were short, plus it was freezing cold that night. Schilling pitched ok but ultimately Francona was out-coached by Wedge and the Sox lost in 11 innings. My father in law blew out of the park by the 6th inning. I stayed in my seat, sober, until the final out made around 1:30 a.m. BTW – I was a groomsman in my buddies wedding a few years back and Wedge was in the groomsman party. He might be one of the nicest guys I have ever met and boy does he like Wild Turkey! He is a terrific coach and the fans of Cleveland should be happy he is steering that ship.

I did catch some of the game Tuesday night between the Wild and the Penguins. Was I disappointed when they announced George Laraque was a scratch for this game. I was hoping for was a great fight or two between George and Derek Boogaard. Maybe the B’s game tonight will produce a few fisticuffs.

Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox – World Series Champions!

What a week eh? Patriots killed the Redskins, and the Red Sox won their second World Series in 3 years. It’s an incredible time to be a Boston sports fan. Unless of course, you are a Bruins fan. That’s not exactly true. The team is off to a surprisingly good start. They seem to be playing pretty well together and the Thornton and Lucic dynamic is very interesting. They had two great fights last Saturday back to back. They are indeed tougher to play against. I am happy with the start, with the exception of Zdeno Chara.

I got a text from Goonblog fan, Brownie the other night. It read, “NHL ’08 for PS3 is amazing…..Chara is a pussy in it though.” Hands down it is the funniest text I have ever received, but at the same time it’s true. I really don’t want Goonblog to turn into anti Chara blog, but it seems he is our new whipping boy here. It was Hal Gill a few years ago, and to be honest, I think Chara is an inch taller Hal Gill. To say I am disappointed he wasn’t the one to go after Randy Jones instead of Chuck Kobasew is a gross understatement. Claude Julien should have walked up to him, told him to remove his jersey. Then he should have handed it to Donny Delnegro and told him to remove the “C” because he wasn’t fit to wear it. I’m sure he works hard, and is a nice guy, but he’s no Captain. You think Terry O’Reilly would have let Chuck Kobasew do the dirty work if he was on the ice? Exactly.

As far as the suspension goes, I think it’s fair. It was a bad hit, and he knows better than to hit anyone when their back is turned, but it wasn’t vicious like the cross check Boulerice laid on Kesler. I think the punishment fit the crime, and I think he’ll get some “code” justice when these two teams meet again. No weekly wrap up on Sunday. TKO and I will be in Indianapolis for the Patriots game. Should be a blast. I might try a running diary tomorrow night for the Bruins. We’ll see how the schedule works out. Meantime, I am off to bed, and by that, I mean I am off to get more brew.