Hockey Fights, Hockey Fight Videos, Thugs and Enforcers - GoonBlog.com

Too Much, Too Soon!

2009-07-14T23:23:17Z

Jay Miller has the same metabolism as his daddy, so usually right after he eats; he needs to be taken out to poop. I get home at 6, feed him and Milan Lucic, and we head out. On tonight’s walk, after Milan made a nice dude we came across a very big Golden Retriever. At least I think it was a retriever. The lady walking him brought him right over, and the Golden got right in Milan’s grille. Milan must have owed him one from Junior or something, because she got the stick down, and gloves off most Rikki Tik! The bout started out very even with Milan going right for the bigger combatant’s ear causing the Golden to get on its back. Milan then went for the neck and was giving him a good gnawing when the linesman (me, and the horrified woman) got in to separate the two. As we were separating them, the Golden must have said something to Miller, because he jumped right in there and gave him a couple of nips before we separated them as well. I was saying, “All over, all over!” while trying to pull both Bruins to the box. I had to give the 2, 5, 10 to Milan, and the 3rd man in to Miller, but it was a great fight. Miller was saying the whole way back “Ah, bahk! Bahk Kid! You want some more of me Kid; I’ll give it to you again!” Um. I need to get to a hockey game.

Tomorrow the NHL is making a big announcement with the Boston Bruins. I’ve been totally wrong on things before, but I’d bet both my arms, legs, and tackle, the worst kept secret in all of sports will be announced. The schedules will come out, and January 1st, the Bruins will play at Fenway Park against either the Capitals, or Flyers. Schedule day is the last big event before the season starts, and one of my favorite days on the calendar. I am giddy, and I can’t wait for this stupid summer to be over! George and I have talked about a possible road trip to Toronto this season, and tomorrow we can start planning. As Jay Miller would say, Bahk Bahk KID! I’m wicked pumped!

Will Work for Cake

2009-07-12T22:04:32Z

Typically when the NHL free agent period begins teams load up on the guys that help them win by scoring, stopping, or defending. Then as the period goes on, they load up on guys that protect the scorers, stoppers, and defenders by signing the beloved tough guys. These guys are every bit as important to the mix that makes a successful team. Think eggs in a cake mix. Sure, you can make a cake without it, but isn’t it more delicious and moist with eggs? Um. I think I want cake. The exception to the rule was of course proved by the Boston Bruins a few years ago. They signed PJ Stock on July 1, and later in the year, sent him to Providence, then loaned him to Philadelphia of the AHL where he sustained an eye injury, and never played again. Nice work assholes. Point being, we are approaching the time now when teams will start loading up on the eggs.

Calgary got into the mix this weekend by adding Brian McGrattan to their roster. McGrattan played only 5 games last year after entering the NHL’s substance abuse program. I am happy to see Calgary give this very capable tough guy another shot in the NHL. McGrattan has a huge block head, and in my opinion, is one very tough customer. I have included a fight between McGrattan, and Boston tough guy Shawn Thornton from their AHL days. A decent tilt indeed.

There are some very capable enforcers out there to be signed. Trevor Gillies, Jon Mirasty, and Brandon Sugden are all looking for work. Gillies almost made the Hurricanes out of camp last year, but hasn’t played since getting his eggs scrambled in a December 20th fight against Paul Bissonnette. It was the ice that got the better of him, and not any punches thrown his way. Sugden was with Hartford last year, and Mirasty is a long time Syracuse Crunch fan favorite. I’m hoping they all find work, and selfishly, hope it’s within an hour’s drive of me. I’ll take Worcester, Providence, and Manchester please. Oh, and a cake.

Free Agent Frenzy

2009-07-04T19:02:15Z

I hope everyone is having a very Happy 4th of July, and Happy (belated) Canada Day to all the Goonsqud in the Great White North. So far free agency has been open for a couple of days. What has developed has been a new GM putting his mark on a franchise, another two or three reasons to hate the Canadiens (as if any were needed); Boston fixed some problems on defense by not signing two guys, and a lot of tough guys switching uniforms. Let’s take them in order shall we?

One hour and thirteen minutes into free agency is exactly how long it took Toronto GM Brian Burke to make the Leafs a “Brian Burke” team. The Leafs are looking to get tougher, and they are doing so by adding Colton Orr for 4 years, at 1 million per season. Having Orr in the blue and white should make the six times Boston plays them next season watchable at least. Shawn Thornton of the Bruins was originally drafted by the Buds, and he’s on record having said he tries to play extra hard against Toronto to prove them wrong. I’m giddy. I’d stand upright now, but I don’t have a math book with me. A few hours after adding Colton Orr, Toronto signed defenseman Mike Komisarek. Komisarek, you will remember, is off Milan Lucic’s Christmas card list, after cross checking the burly winger at the end of game 4. It was a move out of frustration that he will certainly have to answer for when the 2009-10 season emerges from its summer off. The question is, after asking Milan to go in the very same game 4 he was obliged by a one punch to the mind administered by young Lucic after he asked Komisarek if he really wanted to do this, will he answer the bell that most certainly will toll for thee? Where the hell is my math book!?

Hal Gill is a Canadien. I will say it again. Hal Gill is a Canadien. Having Goonblog’s least favorite son don a Habs jersey should be enough to get the blood at a boil, and the hatred to a nice simmer, but those frog pussies go and add Scott Gomez via trade, and sign Brian Gionta. In the hockey pecking order of disliked teams, it goes, Montreal in first, New Jersey a close second. I don’t really need any more reasons to dislike the Habs, but I just gave myself three. Good luck in Montreal, Hal. You suck.

It looks like the organization might be willing to give Eddie Shore Winner Johnny Boychuk a legitimate shot to make the big club this season, as Steve Montador, and “Sheriff” Shane Hnidy were both allowed to sign elsewhere this past week. Both Boston blue liners played poorly in the playoffs, and essentially are the same exact player anyway, so both were allowed to leave. I like what Hnidy brings to the ice and the room from a leadership standpoint. He’s a cagy veteran that is willing to stand up for a teammate at anytime, and that’s my kind of player. Same with Monty. He dropped em a couple of times for the black and gold, but they need an upgrade on defense, so they are allowed to walk. I certainly wish both guys the best of luck this season in Minnesota, and Buffalo. This leaves Boston in need of at least one more defenseman. Could they still be trying to swing a trade for Kessel to TO for Kaberle? Stay tuned.

Finally, some tough guys are on the move. We spoke of Colton Orr trading in Ranger red, white, and blue, for the blue and white in TO; there have been some other notable goon signings. It looks as if Donald Brashear will be counted on to fill Orr’s spot in New York signing with the Rangers for 2 years at 1.4 million a year. Ian Lapierriere will be looking to stir it up in Philadelphia with Riley Cote for the next three seasons. That is one agitating pair there. Mike Rupp is the new Sheriff in Pittsburgh tasked with protecting Crosby and the like. He was allowed to walk after New Jersey signed PL3 earlier this off season. Speaking of filling roles, David “Crazy Eyes” Koci will be taking Lapierriere’s role in Colorado after singing on for 575K. He played for about half the league last year, so look for him to wind up elsewhere at the end of the year.

Finally, I’d be remiss if we didn’t say a good Goonblog farewell to “The Reicher” Jeremy Reich. Jeremy signed with the Islanders, and has a legitimate shot to crack their roster next season. Had it not been for Blake Wheeler coming out of nowhere this season, Reich could very well have been with Boston all season. He took the demotion like a man, and Captained the Baby Bruins to a very fine season indeed. Good luck Reicher, we’re pulling for ya!

Figured I’d join Before I got Drafted.

2009-06-28T13:15:38Z

Hey, did you hear Michael Jackson died? No shit. I’m not making this up. Good thing the good Reverend Jesse is involved now. Phew! Through it all, the NHL managed to press on and hold their draft in Montreal Friday night. Naturally, I watched the whole thing.

The Islanders had the first pick and took John Tavares. Not a huge shock. Victor Hedman went second, and Matt Duchense 3rd. These first three picks are fairly predictable. From there on, it was anyone’s guess. This draft seemed to not be very deep, with a giant “but.” As in, they say he has an attitude problem, BUT if he gets that squared away, he could be a real steal. The announcers must have said, “how did he slip this far?” at least 10 times. For me it was a fascinating 4 hours of television, highlighted by Brian Burke wearing a wire on the floor. For MOL it was glare inducing, and shoulder shrugging fun.

The beloved Boston Bruins, who were booed loudly by the Montreal assholes, er, fans in attendance much to the delight of GM Peter Chiarelli selected Jordan Caron from Rimouski of the QMJHL. This I feel is a good pick, as the young man (sorry, way too much Pierre McGuire) is 6’2”, and plays a Boston Bruins style of play. Pierre compared his game to Cameron Michael, saying “He’s not as good, but plays the same style.” I like it. It shows they are truly committed to bringing the style of play back to Boston. Oh, and as an aside, it sort of works for them. Boston crashed and banged their way to the top of the Eastern Conference last season, and adding another young kid that can play the same style will only help. Nice pick by the Bruins brain trust. Now we wait and see if Kessel gets dealt before July 1.

What? Was Sheena Easton Busy?

2009-06-20T14:15:03Z

Congratulations to Boston’s Manny Fernandez, Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara and coach Claude Julien for bringing home the hardware at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas Thursday night. Of course I would have traded any of the awards given for one giant cup, as I’m sure they would have too, but there’s always next year. The exchange between Timmy and Manny was quite hilarious when they were given their Jennings Trophy. How quickly we forget that Manny was playing so well at one point during this season it looked like Timmy was headed to the pine. Then Manny’s back betrayed him, and it looked like he couldn’t stop a beach ball. Anyway, after being introduced by Reggie Lemelin and Andy Moog, a formidable Boston goaltending tandem in their own right, Timmy did most of the talking. After thanking his wife, Manny started to move in to talk when Timmy said, “Manny, you want me to thank your wife too?” If you saw it you know how hilarious it was. Just the look on both their faces, and the fact the crowd erupted in laughter. Unintentional comedy of the highest order.

Speaking of unintentional comedy, does it get any funnier than San Jose’s Jeremy Roenick introducing Chaka Khan’s second song by saying she was one of his “favorites?” I was laughing so hard it took me about a minute longer than it should have to realize Chaka Khan was singing a second song dressed in what appeared to be the curtains from her suite upstairs, and so off key Milan and Miller were contemplating attacking the television. Leave it to the NHL, with their reputation as a second rate niche league, to get a second rate singer for an event that could be something cool. Next year they should go all MTV awards, and try something outrageous, but the players would never go for it. Maybe just try to get someone a little more relevant? I’m sure Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam is free.

I hate to do it….

2009-06-18T22:42:33Z

It’s been killing me to have to write something positive about the New Jersey Devils, but here goes. The Devils have resigned one of my favorite tough guys, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-LeBlond. PL3 as he’s known to his friends was one of the only reasons to watch the perennially dreadful Lowell Devils last season. He and Matthew Corrente appeared to be the only ones willing to drop the mitts, with PL3 taking on some serious customers. I’ve seen him get his blocked knocked off by Brad Staubitz, and I’ve seen him hang in real nicely with another up and coming tough guy in Matt Clackson. Overall his play has improved steadily from a guy that could barely skate, to a guy that can skate a regular shift, and contribute along the wall. But, it will be his pugilistic ability that will land him in Jersey, and if it wasn’t for an injury last season, he may have stayed up all year. I would expect him to at least start the season in the NHL (barring any more enforcer signings by the Devils) and possibly stick for the whole year.

Aside from his play on the ice, PL3 is a super nice guy. He dresses like Brantt Mhyers took him shopping and always has a minute to stop and chat. Resigning him has me teetering on the “go back to Lowell” side after being wavering all year on if I wanted to subject myself to anymore self inflicted torture known as Lowell Devils hockey. I haven’t told MOL yet, so if I show up on anyone’s doorstep tonight, please have a heart and let me in!

Whoop-de Friggin Do. Penguins Win.

2009-06-14T22:51:12Z

For me, the hockey season ended a month or so ago when the Bruins were defeated. For the rest of the hockey world, it ended Friday night when Pittsburgh beat Detroit in a very exciting game 7. Much like the rest of the hockey world, I had counted the Penguins out after they went down 2-0 to Detroit, but they showed the heart of a champion, rallied around a cause, and got it done Friday night. I guess I am happy for them, I mean it’s better than Detroit winning, but my mood can best be described as apathetic.

I had made a decision not to watch the finals after games 1 and 2 because every time I tuned in, Detroit started beating Pittsburgh like a rented goalie. That coupled with the fact that there was a possibility Hal Gill could be raising the holiest of Holy Grails, and I would rather mow the lawn, or play with Milan and Killer than watch hockey anymore. The match up didn’t interest me, as I couldn’t shake the feeling that Boston should have been there.

So, I didn’t watch much of the finals, but I did watch a very exciting game 7. Max Talbot’s second tally was a beauty. Sure the only way Osgood could have been more out of position was if he fell down, but Talbot still picked the top corner. Oh, and did anyone notice the holding penalty Gill took? Vintage Gill. I think it’s from page 2 of the Play Like Gill handbook. You know it well Boston fans. Go to corner after opponent. Realize you are flat footed and about to get burned. Pin guy against boards, and pray referee isn’t looking. Skate to box with stupid look on face when referee is in fact looking right at you, and knows the penalty is coming because he’s seen you play before. I can save NHL refs a lot of time. If there is a man in the corner with a puck, and Gill is on the ice, just blow the whistle. Even if he doesn’t actually hold anyone. It’s only a matter of time. Call it, intent to hold. MA Fleury made up for game 5 in a huge way there with about a tick and a half as well robbing Nicky Lidstrom from depositing what would have been the tying goal into a yawning net. What a save.

Congratulations to the Penguins. They battled adversity all year, and it paid off. Now we have to sit through a long stupid summer in which I might actually have to watch baseball. Shudder the thought. Is it September yet?

Instigator, Schminstigator

2009-06-02T23:12:41Z

The Red Wings are going to win the Stanley Cup, and the NHL fucked up the instigator rule one more time, but I am not going to get into that. OK, for a second I will. Why does the rule book only apply to certain players? In other sports, if someone broke the rules, let’s say in football for holding. An offensive lineman commits a holding penalty at the end of a game. Let’s say the guy holds people all the time, so he gets called. Now let’s say it’s the guy’s first holding call ever. Would he still be flagged for it? Damn right. Again, the rule reads if a fight in instigated in the last 5 minutes of a game, the player is suspended and the player and coach are fined. If the league isn’t going to call it correctly, get rid of the rule. While we are at it, get rid of the instigator rule altogether. Seems like a much better idea. But the NHL is going to be stricter about actually calling the instigator. Bullshit.

Ok, I got that out of me. TKO supplied me with the best news I’ve received in a long time today. Boston has re-signed David Krejci for 3 years. Excellent. 3.5, 3.75, and 4 million for the next 3 years for this budding superstar is a bargain. What the Bruins are getting is a two way center that can slow the game down at will, and was at times the best Bruin on the ice this season. Well done by the front office on this one. It makes me wish September was here. Stupid Hurricanes….

Back Home Again, From Indiana

2009-05-26T19:18:02Z

Congratulations to the winner of the 93rd Indianapolis 500, not the IRS, but Helio Castroneves! This year’s race featured a one beer race day by The Hammer, the greatest “pooping in the infield at the 500” story EVER, one of the wildest crashes I have ever seen, and much more silliness that make Memorial Day in Indianapolis so special every year. I am already looking forward to the 94th running next year. Thanks again Steve. You made a grave error in judgment inviting Hammer in 1988, but if you keep having us, we’ll keep coming!

So in between the poop stories (POW! Out go the lights!) and the mega tenderloin sandwich I got race day, we did what we always do at Indy. We watched hockey. Hands up for who thought I was going to say drink. Anyway, there we are at the end of the Hurricanes loss to the Penguins the other night, when Ryan “Closet Tough Guy” Bayda sets off a fight late in the game. It all starts with a high elbow and a cross check to the head of the Penguins’ Kris Letang. Bayda received a match penalty, and a $2500.00 fine.

There was a car load of guys next to us on the way into the race on Sunday that may or may not have had a few in them. We were stopped at a light waiting our turn to go, which is kind of the norm when 300,000 people are trying to get to the same spot, at the same time. These nitwits decide to start saying, “This is bullshit” loud enough so Indy’s finest could hear them at least 30 times. It was pretty funny because they had an accent that made them sound dumb as dirt anyway, and them saying, “Man, this is bullshit” over and over did not help them in the IQ department. You had to be there, but trust me, they were dumb. So dumb in fact, they got the bright idea to honk at the cop directing traffic! Yes. That dumb. The beep was met with the cop spinning around and giving them a glare that could have burned the whole car up, and he stared them down as he walked over there to make sure they knew he knew they had honked, and were indeed, the dumbest people on earth.

Why am I telling you this? Because I think it may have been Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman in the car. Had to have been right? I mean, how does another player in the playoffs get assessed a MATCH PENALTY FOR A HIT TO THE HEAD, and NOT get suspended? I was teetering on my trust in player safety being a priority for the NHL before, but now, I have no faith in what the league has to say. The league had another chance to send a message the other night, and again with the hit on Marty Havlat (debatable if it was legal. Looked like Kronwall left his feet, and Havlat didn’t have the puck when he was hit, or ever actually have possession of the puck. Having said that, keep your head up) but once again passed on handing out a suspension for a hit to the head because they were too busy sitting in traffic telling Indy Metro PD their traffic directing was less than par. If I am off base on this, please, let me know, but I got to be honest. I am thinking this is bullshit.

Over, and Out!

2009-05-20T11:30:15Z

I am over it. I really am. In truth, I was over it before Scott Walker’s shot even hit the back of the net. Am I happy the Bruins are out, squandering their best chance in years to win a Stanley Cup? Not at all, but I’m not over here smashing stuff or anything. Everyone I have encountered has been coming up and saying, “Man, I thought you’d still be in bed”, or some variation thereof. They are quite surprised when I say “it’s just a hockey game.”

I really mean it too. Three things would have changed the outcome of Game 7.

1. You can’t go 0-4 at home on the PP in a 7th Game and expect to win.

2. You can’t lose every faceoff in the attacking zone in OT of a 7th Game, and expect to win.

3. If they played better in games 2, 3, 4 they aren’t even in the situation they were in, and I’m debating if I go to Indy right now, or stay home to go to Game 2 tonight.

Alas, none of those things happened, and they lost, and I am over it.

Did someone say Indy? If I may switch gears for a minute. The Hammer is picking me up in about 3 hours, and we are off to Indianapolis for the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500. It’s my 13th in a row, and I think Hammer has to be over 20 by now. There will be lots of lacrosse, steak, golf, and general good times. This Memorial Day Weekend, please take time to think about the men and women in uniform all over this world, and the sacrifices they make every day, so we can be free. I can’t thank them enough. Have a great week everyone, and Go Blackhawks!