Return of the Bullies
I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that many of you didn't stay up to watch the Flyers take on the Canucks in Vancouver last night. After a few Belgians and a double IPA, I didn't either. But man, I wish I had. The Flyers put a hurtin on the Canucks, in more ways than one. First, they put up 8 goals, which is impressive even in today's NHL. Second, the team will once again be all over the national sports news for their rough play, after Jesse Boulerice threw a nasty crosscheck to face of Ryan Kesler in garbage time.
We had a nice debate here regarding whether Steve Downie's hit was dirty or not, and about the severity of his suspension. I doubt we'll hear much in defense of Boulerice. It was plain as day dirty, and seemingly for no good reason, at a time when the game was well in hand. You can bet he'll be suspended for a long time, maybe 25 games. The league office, as well as its fans, don't like to see players collapse to the ice and lay motionless like the bobsledder from linerider, no matter how bloodthirsty we may seem. Boulerice and head coach John Stevens acknowledged the dirtiness and stupidity of the play, which overshadowed an otherwise outstanding showing.
Mike Richards had 2 goals, including the 8th tally, when the Flyers were down 2 men, adding 2 assists as well. Danny Briere continued his hot start with a goal and 2 gorgeous assists. It'd be great if that were all we had to focus on from the game. Youtube of the hit and highlights of the goals after the jump.
Highlights:
"Jesse "bowl of rice" Boulerice was looking to turn the game into what a 7-2 blowout should be. His crosscheck to Kessler's face is the result, and somewhere... very far away... Steve Downie's left shoulder starts to inexplicably burn. " -- digi.
Posted by: Martin | Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 09:55 AM
one step forward, two steps back...
Posted by: theKrisheim | Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 10:00 AM
The powerplay looked great last night, they were moving the puck with crisp passes right on the tape. Loving Briere, he is extremely accurate with his passes, shots, and breaking windows. Gagne and Briere are going to score a tons of points this year. It was only a matter of time before Boulerice did something stupid, so its good that he got it out of the way early.
Posted by: gootman | Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 10:29 AM
"A few Belgians and a double IPA..."
Whatcha drinking, Matt?
Flyers offense is definitely looking better after three games this year than it did through any 3 games last year.
Posted by: TC | Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 11:09 AM
I was definitely not awake for this game, but I'll be at the home opener Saturday vs. the Isles.
A crosscheck to the Adam's Apple is never a good idea, especially in a 7-2 game away from the action, what's this kid thinking? He looks like he is immediately regretting his decision as he is standing over him. Looks like maybe they were having some words earlier and he was trying to start a fight as he started to drop his gloves before he realizes that he almost killed him...I love hockey and hits and violence, but there definitely isn't an excuse for that, he went well overboard.
Posted by: ryan | Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 12:10 PM
I too will be in the WACH this saturday with none other than "the Shadow"... Joe Manning. Expect to see he and I riding the zamboni or sharing popcorn with Bob Clarke in the rafters... he's just that good.
who else is going...?
Posted by: Martin | Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 12:44 PM
I'll be there.
Posted by: Joe Manning | Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 01:25 PM