[DAVId Bryant]

If any Bruin had laid a hit like that on Malkin, I'm sure there would be a suspension.

Agreed. Pittsburgh would be calling for blood if that hit was put on Malkin.

I assume Shanahan reviewed the footage and determined a 2-min boarding penalty was sufficient. I don't want to see Malkin be suspended or fined, but you have to be consistent and not play favorites. I got sick of seeing Ovi get "the benefit of the doubt" and was happy he finally got some punishment. That needs to be applied to everyone.

*For the record, I don't think the hit by Malkin was intentionally dirty. It's difficult to tell if Boychuk turned his back into the hit or not. With that being said, it's not my job to determine the intent, fines or suspension: it's Shanahan's. He need to do it.

[glot]

Well it was too much impact on Boychuck for that distance from the boards. Malkin should have known that nothing good could come from that distance and his level of contact. Yes, Boychuck turned/was turning when he got hit, but regardless it would have been boarding and Malkin should've held off.

Still, no excuse for the Bruins crappy play the past 2 games. Well, except injuries. And the fact that they're probably content just to ride the 2nd seed in the conference and wait for people to get healthy.

[Hannah Whitlock]

Well it was too much impact on Boychuck for that distance from the boards. Malkin should have known that nothing good could come from that distance and his level of contact. Yes, Boychuck turned/was turning when he got hit, but regardless it would have been boarding and Malkin should've held off.

I couldn't agree more. Players need to be in control. Malkin could have (and should have) let up. He was trying to make a statement with that hit.

[Tina Tupou]

*Takes off his Penguins-bias hat*

I am surprised http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12072/1216175-61.stm. Whether you think the hit was dirty or not, he should have had a phone call with Shanahan. Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised...it's Malkin.

Go Pens!

You're surprised? 2009 Cup Finals (NHL rescinding Malkin's automatic suspension) ring a bell?

[Bird]

You're surprised? 2009 Cup Finals (NHL rescinding Malkin's automatic suspension) ring a bell?

Hmm . . . was that the slewfoot?

[Liv Brown]

Hmm . . . was that the slewfoot?

The rescinded Malkin automatic suspension that anyone else would have gotten, but now that you mention it..

[Bek Rideout]

The rescinded Malkin automatic suspension that anyone else would have gotten, but now that you mention it..

Ahh, yes, that's right. I believe it had to do with instigating a fight in the final minutes of a game. He was given a game misconduct or something for trying to start some sh!t. With that, comes [supposedly] an automatic game suspension, but the league rescinded it.

[Shirley BEltran]

Who else is terrified that the league might re-establish two-line-offside-pass?

[Flutterby]

Who else is terrified that the league might re-establish two-line-offside-pass?

Me, I think it's a horrible idea. We don't need teams abusing that system again like the Devils did. To this day the Devils play some of the most boring hockey. I can't wait for Brodeur to retire so they svck.

[carley moss]

Who else is terrified that the league might re-establish two-line-offside-pass?

Me, I think it's a horrible idea. We don't need teams abusing that system again like the Devils did. To this day the Devils play some of the most boring hockey. I can't wait for Brodeur to retire so they svck.

Agreed! It's a BAD, BAD, BAD idea.

[Monique Cameron]

Who else is terrified that the league might re-establish two-line-offside-pass?

I wouldn't say I'm terrified, but the two-line pass better not come back... Wouldn't mind seeing the traqezoid go, though.

[Lady Shocka]

Big game on Thursday: Penguins vs. Rangers and http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=621986&cmpid=pit-fb-pghpenguins.

[Cassie Boyle]

^ Just read that. Will probably watch, if the game is broadcasted this side of the border. Hopefully he stays healthy for more than 12 games this time.

[A Boy called Marilyn]

Who else is terrified that the league might re-establish two-line-offside-pass?

I like the idea but not by itself as a stop gap overreaction to reduce concussions.

Firstly, the game does need to slow down for safety reasons, the two line pass was already a rule long established before. I don't like tacking on rule after rule catering to safety hysteria but this is one of a few things that makes sense.

Secondly, pads are TOO BIG, too rough. Back to old pads.

Thirdly, make the ice bigger god damnit. I despised the Devils trap system as well, boring as [censored] to watch, but open up the ice and the trap is extremely ineffective.

I agree with TSN anolysts earlier stating that it would just bring back the trap and it's true, but do not confuse that with clutch and grab. That was a league-wide systemic problem with their referees NOT enforcing rules long established about hooking, holding, and interference. If you noticed just post lockout there was an excessive amount of obstruction called for things that weren't even obstruction. The league needs to hammer their refs to make right/obvious calls over many or even-ups, the latter of which is to me no different than game fixing.

[Neliel Kudoh]

Well the two line offside pass thing doesn't even make that much sense to me. It seems to me that most of the concussions are not related to the speed coming through center ice. Sure, some are, but for the most part, it seems to me, it's blindside hits, or dirty hits into the boards. I agree with you, ThirdEye, that it comes down to the refs not adequately officiating existing rules. But equally, it comes down to the players getting caught in the moment and executing dirty hits. I'd hate to see the trap again...even though I think it would favor a non-flashy team like the Bruins.

[suzan]

As hockey fans, what say you about not being able to play with concussion? Ice hockey players had them in the 70s without knowing and they kept on playing. Nor will they stop, say, boxers from boxing (afaik). I say let them play if they want to, if there's seemingly nothing wrong!

(While at the same time I can perfectly well understand that safety ultimately IS more important than sports...)

[Blaine]

TSN also reporting there will very very likely be a form of hybrid icing next season. The specifics will come about in the following few months.

Red Wings and Blues management are absolutely livid that Alexander Radulov, who ditched his contract in the middle of it to run to the KHL, is coming back well after the deadline to join the Preds, and his skill level could dramatically boost the Preds.

Also Dreger reporting that a league memo telling refs to more seriously call too many men with the major abuse of the 5 foot change rule with 20-25 foot changes. Again, refs let this happen, no surprise players try to get away with what they can.

[Rozlyn Robinson]

Bruins are currently down 5-0, first three goals allowed by Turco, most recent two by Thomas, and now Turco is in. What a mess. Now both goalies have no confidence, and the players are playing like total junk. And the worst part of it is that TB put up 5 goals, and Malone and St. Louis are combined for 4 fantasy points, while Marchand and Chara combine for 0.8. It's the playoffs, and my fantasy team is struggling!

[michael flanigan]

So this is what it feels like to have good goalie? 3 straight shutouts for Bryz 4 in his last 5 starts, I don't think it's humanly possible to play better than Bryz is right now. Sure helps that the team has been playing so much better with him in net, guess it's a confidence thing. Only something like 17 shots allowed by the Flyers tonight of course Timonen coming back helped that out a little.

[luis ortiz]

Bruins are currently down 5-0, first three goals allowed by Turco, most recent two by Thomas, and now Turco is in. What a mess. Now both goalies have no confidence, and the players are playing like total junk. And the worst part of it is that TB put up 5 goals, and Malone and St. Louis are combined for 4 fantasy points, while Marchand and Chara combine for 0.8. It's the playoffs, and my fantasy team is struggling!

Stamkos hit #50. Great achievement for him.

EDIT: I have a feeling Sid is back for good now. His properly diagnosed injury is now healed, and he's looking confident as hell. I hope he scores many goals on Thursday.

[Claire]

Stamkos hit #50. Great achievement for him.

EDIT: I have a feeling Sid is back for good now. His properly diagnosed injury is now healed, and he's looking confident as hell. I hope he scores many goals on Thursday.

50 goals and still has 14 games to go. I wonder if he'll make 60?

[Alister Scott]

It'd be great to see him get to 60. I really like the Lightning as a team, they just need some goaltending.

[Sweet Blighty]

EDIT: I have a feeling Sid is back for good now. His properly diagnosed injury is now healed, and he's looking confident as hell. I hope he scores many goals on Thursday.

I won't be convinced until he finishes the season, concussions don't give up easy especially in his situation.

[Tanya]

Well, of course he could be totally fine, but it seems that if anyone so much as blows on him he could get another concussion again which is the saddest thing. Any hit to the head, no matter how minor (or even potentially legal) could be a career ender.

Ask Marc Savard.

[sarah simon-rogaume]

Well the two line offside pass thing doesn't even make that much sense to me. It seems to me that most of the concussions are not related to the speed coming through center ice. Sure, some are, but for the most part, it seems to me, it's blindside hits, or dirty hits into the boards. I agree with you, ThirdEye, that it comes down to the refs not adequately officiating existing rules. But equally, it comes down to the players getting caught in the moment and executing dirty hits. I'd hate to see the trap again...even though I think it would favor a non-flashy team like the Bruins.

I would have to agree.

As hockey fans, what say you about not being able to play with concussion? Ice hockey players had them in the 70s without knowing and they kept on playing. Nor will they stop, say, boxers from boxing (afaik). I say let them play if they want to, if there's seemingly nothing wrong!

It's a different time. I think there were just as many concussions then as there are now. I just think players/owners are just more cautious nowadays. In Pittsburgh's case, they are lucky they have a good enough team to be winning without Crosby in the lineup. Pittsburgh managment is also lucky the insurance is covering Crosby's salary while injured. He still counts against the cap, but the insurance company is writing a check to the Penguins to cover their "loss". I read an interesting article awhile back -- I wish I would've saved it -- that asked what happens if Crosby (or other NHL repeat-concussion victim) become uninsurable? Do teams still take the risk of signing those players? Crosby's deal is up after next season. Does Pittsburgh (or any other team) take the risk of signing him to a long-term deal? With insurance? Sure. Without insurance? I don't know if I would.

So this is what it feels like to have good goalie? 3 straight shutouts for Bryz 4 in his last 5 starts, I don't think it's humanly possible to play better than Bryz is right now. Sure helps that the team has been playing so much better with him in net, guess it's a confidence thing. Only something like 17 shots allowed by the Flyers tonight of course Timonen coming back helped that out a little.

It pains me to see the Flyers with a goalie.

Well, of course he could be totally fine, but it seems that if anyone so much as blows on him he could get another concussion again which is the saddest thing. Any hit to the head, no matter how minor (or even potentially legal) could be a career ender.

Ask Marc Savard.

I really hope he's back and can last. I still have my doubts. Seeing is believing.

After Pittsburgh's win against Boston this weekend, they were only 2 points behind the Rangers. Now, since the Rangers have played some games while Pittsburgh has been idle, the Pens are 6 points behind. It's kind of depressing as a Penguins' fan. I hate to call Thursday's game against New York a must-win for Pittsburgh, but I think it is if they want to have a chance to catch the Rangers in the standings.