There were a lot of good things to like about the Canucks’ 6-2 win over the Nashville Predators. They played, perhaps, one of their most complete games of the season and six different guys scored. Most importantly, they overtook the Predators and put themselves back in a playoff position. Unfortunately, I think what most people will be talking about tomorrow is the stupid ending to a good game.
Jordan Tootoo is an ass. With a little more than a minute left in the game, he charged at Aaron Miller and injured him with a late hit. Then when Luc Bourdon tried to get at him, he cross-checked Bourdon to the face. Was he trying to defend himself from Luc? Of course. Did he need to introduce his stick to Bourdon’s face in the process? Of course not. This is exactly the kind of bullshit the league should be eliminating.
The thing is, this isn’t Tootoo’s first cheap shot. He’s a repeat offender and this is already his third such offence in a year. And that’s not counting some of his less-publicized late hits. Last season, he did the same thing to Stephane Robidas, albeit with a glove instead of a stick. Earlier this season, he took a run at Daniel Winnik’s head. Apparently, Tootoo’s a slow learner.
I’m curious to find out if the league will review the incident and issue some sort of additional punishment. If they weren’t planning on it, then they should. I love hard-hitting hockey as much as the next guy, but I’m sick and tired of this kind of cheap shit.
I’ll post more in the morning.
[update: 03/07/2008, 6:09 PM]
After a good night’s sleep, I’m less foaming at the mouth this morning. I hope Alain Vigneault is too (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province).
“I’m just trying to get the game over with,” said Vigneault. “It’s 6-2 and I don’t know why things like that happen and why a player would run 100 feet with the game over. No respect for the game and no respect for the opposition.
“There’s a few of that type in the league and hopefully the league will deal with it.”
Hopefully.
One other thing that will probably overshadow the Canucks’ offensive outburst is the possibility that Kevin Bieksa will be suspended for his *ahem* instigator penalty late in the game.
You be the judge (the clip also includes a replay of Tootoo’s cheap shot too if you want to get your blood boiling like mine was last night).
To end on a happier note… It was refreshing to see the swagger back in the boys’ play last night and I hope they can get on a roll. They host St. Louis tomorrow and then play eight of their next ten games on the road. Heading out with a little momentum going their way won’t hurt.
More from the MSM:
- The Canucks’ six goals tied a season-high and matched the combined total from their previous four games. (Matthew Sekeres, Globe and Mail; Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- What’s this? A positive-sounding article from Tony G? (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- They didn’t score a goal – seven games and counting now – but they sure chipped in. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Like Jim Hughson said last night, “Everyone can come back on the bandwagon now.” (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- On Ohlund’s injury. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun; Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- What to do with Naslund? Because the best time to talk about this is in the middle of a playoff race. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
About the game around the blogosphere:
- T’was a good night. (Waiting For Stanley)
- Bieksa the Bad Ass. I like that. (Canucks Fangirl)
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