Another Flyer Suspension Looming?
Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League
Jan 6, 09:20 PM | Hype this story!
It’s been a while (in Philadelphia’s terms) since a Flyers player has been suspended, but that could change early this week after NHL executives finish an investigation of yet another Steve Downie sideshow.
Downie, who already has established a reputation as a dirty player despite playing in just a handful of NHL games, cheap-shotted Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake Saturday night.
According to TSN.ca, the incident happened as follows:
“With his team up 2-0 early in the third period, Downie hit Toronto winger Jason Blake – who was being held by an official – in the face with what many are describing as a sucker-punch.”
Downie was playing in just his fourth game after being suspended for 20 games for a hit delivered to Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond during the preseason.
Update: It has been announced that NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell has chosen not to suspend Downie for his actions.
Comments
DaBich
Jan 7, 04:47 AM
Time for bans to be issued. This is ridiculous!
Ashley Gallant
Jan 7, 05:31 AM
The announcers said during that game that the coaches down in the AHL have been working with him on controlling his emotions. I guess he needs to work a little harder.
There’s something about this kid that scares me…It’s like there’s no switch in his brain to say, “This is probably not a good thing to do.”
DaBich
Jan 7, 07:39 AM
You know, Ashley, without that “switch” he may kill someone!
Matt Bodenschatz
Jan 7, 07:46 AM
I would call him a Chris Simon in-the-making, but it appears he is well ahead of the curve. I’m not sure precedent has been set for someone so reckless. Maybe Billy Tibbetts, who essentially was run out of the NHL — and most other North American leagues — for his uncontrollable temper.
On a side not, as surprising as it may seem, I have read some pieces in recent weeks that suggest Flyers management is growing tired of his antics and is considering trading him before it’s too late. It may be too late.
DaBich
Jan 7, 08:27 AM
That doesn’t surprise me in the least, Matt. But, management doesn’t seem to be doing anything to slow down their player’s “antics” as you call them.
Ashley Gallant
Jan 7, 09:19 AM
I’m wondering just who would want to trade for Downie. I think he could be a good power forward, but to do what he has done in less than 10 NHL games (pre-season included), a lot of people would shy away from acquiring him. Then again, I’d probably be surprised…
Matt Bodenschatz
Jan 7, 09:25 AM
Well, any team that acquires him would be taking on a lot of baggage and would require much patience. I think there is a team out there capable of turning him around, but I really don’t have a clue which (if any) would be willing to take on such a big task.
Ashley Gallant
Jan 7, 11:26 AM
Thanks for the video. I didn’t see that interview with Paul Maurice: “Oh it was a scrum. Two players, two linesmen, one free arm and one head.”
A lot of people say that they don’t care for Maurice, but I always like watching interviews with him.
Ashley Gallant
Jan 7, 11:56 AM
And apparently that sucker punch is not worthy of a suspension. Colin Campbell ‘talked’ to Downie about the incident. What a joke. I would have given him at least a game or two.
DaBich
Jan 7, 02:09 PM
Looks like Colin dropped the puck on this one…
Ashley Gallant
Jan 7, 04:05 PM
haha good one dabich
Julian
Jan 7, 04:11 PM
Sucker punch is putting it light. It looks like he was trying to rip out Blake’s eye with his thumb.
DaBich
Jan 8, 05:47 AM
=D
Matt Bodenschatz
Jan 8, 07:21 AM
Yes, I’m not quite sure how, with his reputation and the situation in which the punch took place, Downie couldn’t get at least two to five games. He’s not going to learn his lesson unless he is punished — but, then again, that was his fourth game after a 20-game suspension, so maybe punishment doesn’t work for him.
DaBich
Jan 8, 07:23 AM
Player’s posse?
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