Hockey Night in DSP-Season 2011-12

[toonarmy]

Jay Beagle knocked the F out by Asham tonight. Asham's gestures after the fight are sure to draw much heat. Ovi sure as heck let him have it while sitting in the penalty box. Great stuff.

Great tilt. I had no problem with Asham's gestures -- thought they were funny. Asham did put Beagle to sleep, and destroying an opponent is the objective of any fight. So mission accomplished -- what's the big deal? Beagle knew it wasn't a square dance. Plus Asham tapped his stick against the penalty box in what looked to be a sincere nod toward Beagle's toughness and well-being.

NHL tough guys could protect themselves so much better if they read one or two books about boxing. Good Lord, Beagle all but air-mailed his jaw to Asham's fist. Tuck your jaw toward your chest when fighting, son, especially when one of your hands is tied up holding your opponent's sweater!

I don't know why any NHL player would attempt to fight without learning some basic techniques, if only to protect himself from getting hurt. Beagle clearly had no idea what he was doing. I think Asham went overboard with his gesture of putting the guy to sleep. A real tough guy lets the fight itself do the talking. Obviously Asham wouldn't have done the gesture if he knew how bad he hurt Beagle, but it was still overboard regardless IMO. I'm not against raising arms after a KO to get the crowd going, but doing something that mocks the guy you just KO'd is bad sportsmanship. Asham better keep his head up next time these two teams meet.

[pk500]

I excuse Asham for two reasons. One, adrenaline. It's a big endorphin rush when you KTFO a guy. Two, the Pens-Caps' rivalry has become one of the juiciest in the NHL. I'm not sure Asham would have made the same gestures if he knocked out a player from Winnipeg or Nashville.

[toonarmy]

I excuse Asham for two reasons. One, adrenaline. It's a big endorphin rush when you KTFO a guy. Two, the Pens-Caps' rivalry has become one of the juiciest in the NHL. I'm not sure Asham would have made the same gestures if he knocked out a player from Winnipeg or Nashville.

I'm sure the NHL and Versus behind closed doors are certainly not unhappy about what Asham did. It surely will result in more interest in the series from fans of other teams and result in better viewership. I don't care what people say about fighting in the NHL, it gets casual fans more interested in the league.

[dbdynsty25]

I excuse Asham for two reasons. One, adrenaline. It's a big endorphin rush when you KTFO a guy. Two, the Pens-Caps' rivalry has become one of the juiciest in the NHL. I'm not sure Asham would have made the same gestures if he knocked out a player from Winnipeg or Nashville.

I excuse Asham for one reason, and it's the only reason that counts. Beagle threw the first punch along the boards. From that point on...Asham can do whatever he wants after he beats his ass.

[Naples39]

Db? In the hockey thread!? I think you're lost.

While you're here: The NBA Fan’s Guide To Feigning Interest In Hockey During The Lockout

I don't blame Asham too much. He regrets doing it, it probably crosses the line, but I don't think it's too worth getting worked up about. Players sometimes gesture after big fights, and its especially dramatic when the fight is the name of sticking up for a smaller skilled teammate. If Caps want to make something of it, fine, but I'm not too riled up about it.

[dbdynsty25]

Db? In the hockey thread!? I think you're lost.

While you're here: The NBA Fan’s Guide To Feigning Interest In Hockey During The Lockout

I don't blame Asham too much. He regrets doing it, it probably crosses the line, but I don't think it's too worth getting worked up about. Players sometimes gesture after big fights, and its especially dramatic when the fight is the name of sticking up for a smaller skilled teammate. If Caps want to make something of it, fine, but I'm not too riled up about it.

In high school I used to be a HUGE hockey fan. Couldn't wait for Tuesdays and Thursdays (the days the Kings usually played in the 90s for some reason)...but that tailed off in college and then now when I'm married and all and don't have time to watch two games a night when the NBA is in full swing. So yeah...I guess I'm feigning interest, but it's not like I'm a newbie completely. Used to be a die hard. Kelly Hrudey was my f'n hero for years.

[Naples39]

All are welcome here!

[10spro]

[ Used to be a die hard. Kelly Hrudey was my f'n hero for years.

Good guy. I think Hrudey and I are the only dudes that wore on the bandana while playing the game. Still got my hair.

[toonarmy]

Nice response from Asham and Bylsma. Good to see at least some pros take responsibility for their actions and man-up and admit they are wrong:

Asham:

It's unfortunate the way the fight ended. I obviously want to win but I don't want to go out there and hurt anyone. My gestures after it was done … I was into the game. It was uncalled for, classless on my part. I think that those guys over there know that I'm not that kind of guy to be going off.

"But it was a big game. I wanted to get my bench going. Classless move on my part.

Bylsma:

I think Arron's comments are spot on. It was the heat of the moment. Emotions got the best of him. He wishes he could have them back. He stuck up for a teammate but I don't think anybody liked what ensued after that.

[Diablo25]

Kings at Flyers tonight. Mike Richards returns. I'm expecting the faithful will give him a warm reception.

As far as the game goes, I hope the Flyers can cut down on the shot totals in the 2nd and 3rd periods tonight. Vancouver was peppering Bryz the other night. I know the Kings offense isn't at Vancouver's level but they are still a solid squad. I am really loving watching this revamped Flyers squad right now. The young guys are really impressive. Sean Couturier and Matt Read have been great. Couturier has been superb on the PK. Love it that he made the team out of camp. Great #1 pick by Philly. Girioux is developing into a superstar every game. Unreal goal scoring skills. Jagr LOVES him. Fun line to watch.

[Feanor]

Asham realized he didn't want to be labelled an complete idiot like Carcillo and did the right thing by apologizing.



Thank god we got rid of him and brought in a class guy like Talbot.

[Millennium]

And the Caps are 4-0-0. Vokoun has bailed them out the last two games, but that's what they got him for.

Still, defensive zone plays, especially by backchecking forwards, has to improve...a lot.

[10spro]

Nugent-Hopkins scored his first career hat-trick but it wasn't enough as Canucks came back to bite the Oils 4-3 in the third period. I have no doubt that the kid will stay at this level if he keeps playing like tonight. A bright future ahead for NH.

[vader29]

Penguins lose to Winnipeg 2-1. Goalies were outstanding for both squads and the crowd came across as one of the loudest I've ever heard throughout the entire game for a regular season game.

[10spro]

Penguins lose to Winnipeg 2-1. Goalies were outstanding for both squads and the crowd came across as one of the loudest I've ever heard throughout the entire game for a regular season game.

Watched the highlights of the game. Pavelec was amazing. The arena was crazy indeed, good to see the team where it belongs.

[toonarmy]

Pavelec was out of his element last night, and Fleury was no slouch either. It was an awesome match to watch if you like to see fantastic goaltending. Rarely have I seen a crowd go nuts for a whole regular season game this early in the season. I thought it was cool that the crowd actually applauded Fleury a couple of times on his saves. Kind of reminded me of the classy fans of the St. Louis Cardinals who are known for giving props to opposing players when they make great plays. I want to see Winnipeg in the playoffs if nothing more than to see how great the atmosphere will be in the arena. In contrast, I turned over to the Sharks game after the Winnipeg game ended and the arena sounded like a mausoleum.

[Diablo25]

Man Flyers looked awesome in period 1 vs. Ottawa. Matt Read is the real deal. Super fun to watch. Great speed and awareness. He already has a goal and two assists and its only the first intermission. Wayne Simmonds is equally fun to watch. He is strong and faster than i expected. Girioux - another goal. I am loving the new additions.

[Naples39]

Man Flyers looked awesome in period 1 vs. Ottawa. Matt Read is the real deal. Super fun to watch. Great speed and awareness. He already has a goal and two assists and its only the first intermission. Wayne Simmonds is equally fun to watch. He is strong and faster than i expected. Girioux - another goal. I am loving the new additions.

Giroux has been incredible this season.

[Feanor]

They don't miss Jeff Carter at all. That was a great trade for the Flyers.

[10spro]

Just came back from Rogers arena where on Rick Rypien's night, Canucks just couldn't touch King Lundqvist. Dude was absolutely amazing stopping 40 shots where the Rangers were very opportunistic and lethal on their chances in the 3rd period where the home D had some serious gaffes creating a lot of 2 on 1 and 3 on 1's leaving Luongo up to dry. The uneducated fans near us started booing him but any guy that watched the game tonight can't overlook the fact that the 'Nucks outplayed and outshot NY by a wide range and fell just apart after 43 minutes of play when the Rangers finally went up 1-0. Did I mention that Lundqvist stole the game?

Having said that the PP sucked, they miss Ehrhoff on the point, Samuelsson is not the answer there and Salo needs to get in there despite coach AV trying to limit his minutes. Only D. Hamhuis looked solid and the rest of the blue line is still looking for some chemistry. 'Nucks are just not good starters when it comes to October play.

[pk500]

I watched the third period of the Canucks-Rangers game last night, and as James said, King Henrik was beyond unconscious. He was operating on a different plane of consciousness.

The official scorekeeper missed probably four or five shots in scrambles during the third period alone. Lundqvist probably made closer to 45 saves in that game.

Louie was beaten twice to the short side in the third period. Not one of his stronger 20-minute segments even if the D did abandon him at times.

The Rangers are fun to watch. Plucky group of relative no-names other than Richards, Gaborik and Lundqvist. Plus Sam Rosen has been a rock in the booth as one of the best NHL play-by-play men for a long time.

[10spro]

And these so called plumbers PK, work hard. They are strong on the boards, and they must have blocked at least 40+ shots in addition to the 40+ that were peppered at Lundqvist. He stopped them from far, there was a lot of traffic in his crease at times and he stood as calm as a cucumber. After 40 minutes when the game was still 0-0, I was telling my buddy that despite VAN outplaying NY, I just didn't have a good feeling about beating them the way their keeper was playing. He was a rock.

[Diablo25]

Brayden Schenn called up from Adirondack. Another youngster that should be fun to watch

[10spro]

After the 'Nucks took care of the pesky Wild in an afternoon matinee, GM M. Gillis trades 2 veterans in M. Samuelsson and M. Sturm who was a bust for D. Booth and M. Reinprecht plus an additional 3rd rounder. Good deal if you ask me, with M. Raymond still far from coming back, the 2nd line was missing a left winger that could play with the R. Kesler who recently got back from hip surgery. Booth is fast and played in his junior days with Kes in Michigan, here's hoping that he can stay healthy.

[MizzouRah]

Go Blues, great game!