As you probably already know, and I just learned at the airport bar while waiting for my flight to Raleigh, the NHL today has rescinded the automatic suspension to Carolina winger Scott Walker and fined him just $2,500 for his sucker punch to the face of Boston’s Aaron Ward in the closing minutes of last night’s Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series at TD Banknorth Garden.
The Hurricanes, who lead the series 3-2 heading into tomorrow night’s Game 6 in Raleigh, issued this statement:
“We are satisfied with the league’s ruling,” said Hurricanes President and general manager Jim Rutherford. “After our team received several punches throughout the series leading up to Game 5, it was a matter of time before one was going to be thrown back.”
I’m speechless. But not that much, so look for my column on this matter at around 10:25 p.m. tonight. For now, take the time to teach your kids that a sucker punch will cost you $2,500 as long as you’re on the ice. But if you do it anywhere else, you’ll be fired and probably criminally charged.
Carolina is the Pittsburg Steelers of the NHL. A team in bed with the head office so that no rule violations ever stick to them. Walker was clearly the third man in and should have been suspended. But rules are just guidelines for the commissioner to dole out based upon his individual feelings toward a franchise.
There is a code in hockey. Even if YOU drop the gloves, if your opponent does not, you don’t sucker-punch him. Blaming Aaron Ward for this is the worst kind of “blame-the-victim” rationalization.
“For now, take the time to teach your kids that a sucker punch will cost you $2,500 as long as you’re on the ice. But if you do it anywhere else, you’ll be fired and probably criminally charged.”
Also teach them if you put your hends up, you may be able to block a punch. Ward saw Walker drop the gloves and just stood there.
Unbelievable. The punch is debatable. Ward could have protected himself. Third man in? Instigator in the final 5? Theres no question there. Walker should be suspended.