Sorry for the lack of posts. I had a 103 fever on Wednesday night and did not go to the game last night.
For me to miss a game, I have to not be well. To miss a RANGER game - I was a wreck.
Now - I am going to be brief, but I will get my 2 cents in.
As far as Simon is concerned, he snapped; plain and simple. Was Hollweg’s hit dirty?
No!
Premeditated?
No!
Worthy of a penalty?
Yes!
What goes on in a players mind is tough to ascertain. I really think that since the play was far from the incident - other people may have been a part of this had the puck been closer and the stick incident may not have been a factor at all. As of 1:30 pm - it was announced from the NHL that he is suspended indefinitely pending a hearing. Barry Melrose says he should be done for the year, and for the playoffs too. I think if Hollweg was out for a period of time, then you may be right. Five games should be sufficient in my opinion.
As far as the Isles play - hard to say. I was listening to much of the game and not watching, as I had a cold cloth over my head. I think Nolan was smart to put Yashin in sporadically. He had his chances, and he should gradually get more time and opportunities.
Worried about Smyth hobbling off the ice, but is not supposed to be serious, as reported in the media.
About the goal or lack of one according to the idiots in Toronto. The last angle that was shown on the telecast showed through the legs of players, that the puck crossed the line. I can not believe they BLEW it. Sitting here watching the Ranger replay, they did NOT show the right one. Kind of ‘Old boy network’ here… I am sorry - but that was a total BULLS$%# call, and NO one is going to tell me any different.
That is enough about this game. Onto Washington. Comment if you like, we all have to vent about this….
Posted under Islanders 06-07
This post was written by Gary Harding on March 9, 2007
I hear you. Everything you said. I guess the only saving grace here is that the TSN.com replay (very much watched) does show the “goal” angle… it’s very clear. In a game like that, you MUST call that a goal. Not for the sake of the Islanders, but for the sake of the game, and for the possible hope that someone out there won’t just see the “bad press” slash and might see the great series of rival hockey that was played. It’s a shame.
Sorry to hear about how you’ve been feeling lately. Hope the worst part is over.
That video review decision was outrageous. On Center Ice, we got the FSNY feed, and the last shot they had clearly showed the puck over the line after it had tilted from one side to the other. But what gets me further is why the LIVE shot was never used. I knew that was in right away and figured it got the washout sign because the ref may have blown it dead, so I don’t get it.
I tell ya, Gary, that I haven’t seen and heard so much fire and brimstone from The Better Half in a long time and I loved the passion. You know it’s Islanders-Rangers and you know it’s the playoff chase. Well, we’ve got two more visits from “them” and the Isles have to bring it much better than they did last night. You can’t dominate for the first 2-3 minutes, then let the visitors take the game to you once they have one turn down your end of the ice.
Gary, I love ya but to say Simon should get 5 is nuts. Bottom line is he could’ve decapitated Hollweg there. That was just a vicious act by someone who wasn’t thinking about the consequences.
It’s ashame cause I always respected Chris. The league needs to step up here and give him the gate. Done for season. End of story. No excuses.
As for your assertion on Hollweg, I disagree there as well. He hit him from the side as Chris played the puck. That’s not a penalty. It’s hockey. If it was directly from behind, I’d concur.
I wish I could see the replay with the definitive proof of it being a goal. At the moment it took place, I did believe it crossed the line. But from the MSG replays, there was no way of telling to reverse the call. I have to wonder whether the boys up in Toronto had that FSNY angle available to them. It did kind of seem like they made the decision pretty quickly. Six minutes? I was thinking it would take much longer. So yes, I was surprised by that.
In any event, if they robbed ya, that sucks.
Hope you’re feeling better. You won’t be around for next week’s show either, right?
In any event, take it easy and enjoy your weekend!
Derek, with you being a Ranger fan - I think you are losing some objectivity. Was it viscous? Yes! Was it stupid? Yes. However, look at the hits that got big suspensions. Brashear? Off in a stretcher. Moore? Still in rehab. Hollweg? He NEVER left the bench. He could have PLAYED if the Rangers wanted him too.
I do not want the punishment to be a non-factor. But usually the NHL looks at the result (how the player is). According to what I see - Ryan H is playing this afternoon. I think 5 - 10 is enough. Am I looking for Simon to be a major factor in the Islanders making the playoffs? Not now - in the case of this.
Yes Simon wasnt thinking - but since Hollweg will play - I think they will reduce it. Sorry - that is the NHL.
Ok, I have heard several opinions of both the Simon incident and the non-goal, and I am at the point in which I must concur with Gary on both counts. From the perspective of a Ranger fan, I’m sure Chris should be gone forever and that goal was not conclusive. Actually, I’ve spoken to a few Ranger fans and I was surprised to hear them agree that the NHL blew the goal call and that they felt Simon should get maybe five to a dozen games.
I think, personally, there is an over reaction to the Simon situation. The national media coverage has only blown it up further. Do I condone it? Absolutely not. Do I think Chris should sit some games? Yes. Do I think he should be gone for the remainder of the season? Nope. Do I think that idiot Nassau County Da is a Ranger fan? Yes.
As for the non-goal, I have to agree. The “old boy” network at work. It seems that the Rangers get the nod in just about all of the caseslike this one. The “original six” teams are often protected, and the “media darlings” Rangers stole 2 points. Now, before I’m accused of being “bias” or “whining”, this is not the first time the opinion of the “original six” teams getting the breaks has been stated. I’ve heard it argued by several fans over many different incidents. It just seems that calls fall in their favor and when it comes to disciplinary actions, they favor them as well. I’m sorry, but this only, to me, furthers that belief in me. That should have been a 2 to 2 game settled in OT or a shoot out.
Anyone who can say that Chris Simon should not sit for the rest of the season is a complete idiot and not a “HOCKEY” fan, Me being an islander fan I believe that Simon has everything coming to him for trying to clearly injury another player. I was watching the game and as I saw Simon being escorted to the locker room, I saw fans clapping and cheering him. That is a disgrace!!!!! Granted I don’t like the rangers and I hate to see them win in our building, but to swing a stick at someone’s head or throat, it is unacceptible.. Personally I think that Simon shouldn’t wear an islander sweater ever again. The guy has been suspended now 6 times for seperate actions. This was just as vicious as what Dale Hunter did to Pierre Turgeon. Granted Hollweig is not going to miss anytime, but he could have been seriously injured. Even worse then Turgeon’s seperated shoulder.
After sitting back and thinking - missing the season is probably the right thing. The NHL has such a black eye - and this is the thing that the league needed to do.
The only reason I think Simon will still remain next season is the relationship with Nolan. Nolan basically saved his life, and the debt of gratitiude is large.
Fans clapping was indeed egregious, and totally wrong.