Make up your Mind Dude!

My liver is glad Thanksgiving is over. I ate too much, and drank way too much over the past couple of days. I hope everyone had a good Turkey Lurkey Day!

I was on my way to the Betty Ford Clinic, when I happened upon this article from ESPN. I didn’t see the game so I can’t really comment on what exactly happened. When the new CBA was signed, there was a rule that anyone who instigates a fight in the last five minutes of a game will be kicked out, and face a fine. Also, the Coach of the offending team, will also be assessed a fine. When I read it, I thought it was just one more nail in the coffin of fighting in hockey. I think it is a stupid rule in the first place, and secondly, Colin Campbell is going to start a major shit storm by not fining The Great One.

There is supposed to be a no tolerance on the enforcement of rules this season, why should this be any different? While I think it is a stupid rule to begin with, I don’t think its right that Gretzky not be fined. I see the point that he didn’t send him out there, and Doan certainly isn’t going to be mentioned much in this space, but I think by not fining Gretz it creates a big problem. Once again, the rules are open to interpretation.

Just like in his playing days, Wayne Gretzky is untouchable. Let’s say for example, Boston is losing with under 5 minutes to go (a stretch, I know, bear with me) and PJ Axelson is lining up for a faceoff on his regular shift. Let’s say earlier in the game, someone had taken a liberty with a Bruin, and as the puck drops, PJ snaps. He drops his gloves, and gets into a fight with the winger next to him. PJ is assessed a 2,5,10, and we’ll see you later. How can Coach Sullivan be fined for that? If you didn’t fine Gretz, you can’t fine Sully right? I ask you: What would happen if it was an enforcer who did the same thing? Why should it matter if it is a skill guy, or a tough guy? I think, especially for this first time, if it is a rule, it’s a rule. Gretz should be fined, and so should Doan. A rule is a rule, even if it is a stupid one.