The 2009-2010 Suspension Thread

[srv2miker 0]

FYI, this is what I just sent to the NHL, Gary Bettman (hopefully), and a bunch of Vancouver Journalists:

Dear NHL Management, and Mr. Gary Bettman

I attended my first hockey game when I was 2 years old (a tilt between expansion partners Buffalo and Vancouver). Although my Dad swears it was a great game, I was asleep in his arms by the end of the 2nd period. Despite that inauspicious beginning, the seeds of rabid fandom were laid there, and over time they have grown and matured to the point where I consider myself an ardent NHL hockey fan. But, over the past 15-odd years, I've started to seriously question whether hockey actually cares about having me as a fan, nearly as much as I care about it. From skyrocketing ticket prices, to pay-per-view games, to the exorbitant price of jerseys, every year it becomes more and more expensive to be a fan, and yet I feel like, paradoxically, the more I spend the less the NHL actually wants me.

Over 15 years I've seen a concerted effort to pander to "casual" fans (glowing pucks, ridiculous game scheduling, and needless rule changes are just a few examples), while fervent supporters have been allowed to wither and die on the vine. I've suffered through this in silence trying to convince myself that the quality of the product on the ice made up for these other slights. And in the end, that's what is most important - the sanctity of the greatest game on the planet. In other words, the fluff you toss towards casual fans (who will likely never be converted anyway) doesn't bother me enough to leave as long as you ensure the game is safe-guarded.

What happened between Stephane Auger and Alex Burrows on GM Place's ice on Jan. 10th was an absolute travesty, and I know hockey fans across Canada are livid that the very spirit of the game could be called into question. The fact that a referee's personal grudge might've affected the outcome of game is absolutely the worst thing that could ever be accused. As fans, we need to know that what we're watching is real; that two teams are battling each other on a level playing field for supremacy. Even a whiff of impropriety is a grievous, grievous warning sign. Even a hint of bias means all our passion (and dollars) count for exactly squat.

The NHL's reaction to the allegations is downright insulting to fans. We've watched other sport's governing bodies put their heads in the sand over controversies (notably steroids in baseball and referee gambling in basketball) and it makes me sick to my stomach that NHL brass would so eagerly follow suit. Your halfhearted attempt to resolve the dispute through a couple phone calls is not sufficient - this requires a serious inquiry. And yet you seem to be content to do as little as possible to avoid rocking the boat with your employees, even if it means fans can no longer trust what they see on the ice. I watched that game with my own eyes, and what happened there requires more investigation than you've bothered to make; fans are not satisfied, and that should be your primary concern.

Let's make something clear - the fans are the only reason any of you have a job right now. Players, coaches, NHL staff, everyone relies on our continued passion for the NHL so you can feed your families. By effectively sweeping this under the rug, you're slapping every fan across the face who has ever helped put bread on your table. Our wallets drive your business, and in my opinion that means you are accountable to us.

My reaction has absolutely nothing to do with being a Canucks fan, and everything to do with being a supporter of NHL hockey. As a die-hard fanatic, I need to know that every team contends on an even keel, and every game is decided by the players, and not officials; Mr. Bettman, you like to speak of parity, but I'm tempted to think you're just paying lip service based on the NHL's actions over the past few days.

I would strongly encourage you, Gary Bettman and NHL Management, to reconsider your course of action, and also apologize to every fan across the world who you've wronged today. Unfortunately, I think what makes me saddest is that I know this letter will do absolutely nothing - NHL management has proven time and again that they're much more interested in protecting their interests than fan's. We need reassurance that we're watching fair games, and the NHL has not nearly done enough to provide us with that. My only hope is that this letter and others like it which have been written in the last few days will be enough to open some eyes, so we can avoid the same sort of scandal that has tainted baseball and basketball forever.

[EBondo 233]

Well written, holweverf, like you mentioned, probably won't be seen - rather tossed in a trashcan as quickly as you hit 'send'

[Da Beez 0]

Nice letter. Gary Bettman doesn't care what you think.

[chippa13 1844]

Lovely letter and all but what did you expect would happen, the NHL would have Auger waterboarded until he confessed? Outside of any audio evidence of what was said before the game, all other evidence is circumstantial, at best, or sour grapes inference, at worst.

[srv2miker 0]

Lovely letter and all but what did you expect would happen, the NHL would have Auger waterboarded until he confessed? Outside of any audio evidence of what was said before the game, all other evidence is circumstantial, at best, or sour grapes inference, at worst.

I would hope they would go to a little more effort than to just call Auger and Burrows. Maybe:

- Interview other players on the ice

- Interview the other officials

- Interview off-ice officials

- Canvas other players to see if Auger has said similar things to them in the past

- Review his previous games against the Canucks and see if a pattern was forming

- Ask the NHLOA for reports from Auger's previous games, and see how he was calling them

- Speak with the competition committee to get a feel if other players have experienced similar things from other referees

All I'm saying is that the NHL did a really lackluster job making sure things are above board.

[chippa13 1844]

Trust me, if any other Canucks heard what Burrows alleged was said then you would have seen the quotes by now. As for interviewing any other officials, what would be the point. Even if Auger said anything to the rest of the crew that night, they aren't going to spill it. There isn't any reason to look at Auger's past game sheets against the Canucks because supposedly this was the game where he was going to exact his retribution. As for looking at any other of his games, what for? What can you really hope to prove with stats on penalties in games that this guy did? Would you be able to find out how many of those calls his partner also had his arm up for or how many were reported to him by a linesman?

This entire situation one man's word against another's.

[srv2miker 0]

Trust me, if any other Canucks heard what Burrows alleged was said then you would have seen the quotes by now. As for interviewing any other officials, what would be the point. Even if Auger said anything to the rest of the crew that night, they aren't going to spill it. There isn't any reason to look at Auger's past game sheets against the Canucks because supposedly this was the game where he was going to exact his retribution. As for looking at any other of his games, what for? What can you really hope to prove with stats on penalties in games that this guy did? Would you be able to find out how many of those calls his partner also had his arm up for or how many were reported to him by a linesman?

This entire situation one man's word against another's.

I listed those as examples, not an exhaustive list. My point is that allegations like this need more than a phone call. Your apathetic response is the same type of reaction that allowed Tim Donaghy to ruin basketball single-handedly. I'm not saying gambling is involved here, but if a ref is using their position to effect the outcome of a game, it needs to be thoroughly investigated, not swept under the rug with a "he said/she said" brush off.

[chippa13 1844]

Outside of Auger standing up and saying, "Yep, I said it and I did it" nothing can be proven. It isn't apathy, it is realism.

[BenderHockey 127]

I'm kinda split between the two of you on this. Srv, I agree that more needs to be looked into, or at least put on a show like you actually care. Chippa, I also agree that nothing more will be done. I'm sure that if they looked under enough rocks, something would turn up. The people involved just need to have the desire.

[slaw 1]

1) Bettman will probably never see your letter, you will probably get a nice response from some low-level employee at the office.

2) I think Burrows is a bit off his rocker, as a current Junior official & former Junior A player, I find there is truth in both sides but hardly any possiblity we will ever find the real truth

3) If you watch the post-game bike interview, you will see the Sedin's not to far from Alex Burrows and they aren't telling him to stop or put a lid on it, nor are they backing him up & as his linemates, you would think that if anything was said/heard or any attitudes or some kind of anger towards Burrow's was felt, the Sedin's would more than likely hear about it or know something of it.

4) If the NHL pulls the plug on Auger, the house of cards comes crumbling down. The fact a player can harass an official, to some degree after a game and have the officials job put in jeopardy woudl make the officials look incompetent and the NHLOA would be absolutely up in arms. You have to remember, these guys don't jsut get pulled off of the street, they work in the NHL for a particular reason, they are good at what they do and not just one or two nights, they have been consitently good at various other levels leading up to the NHL. Auger is also not a rookie so we can't just assume that a veteran official is going out and doing these things.

5) Look at Burrows track record, he has been compared, on some telecasts (be they worthy or not so worthy telecasts is a whole other matter) to Sean Avery in his role as superpest. I am not trying to say that Auger is 100% innocent, maybe he did indeed say something that was out of line however, the hand of guilt does not look as though it is pointing at the official in this matter, other than the fact Burrows accused him of doing this, there is no real hard evidence to suggest Auger did make said comments.

[JohnnyCanuck 0]

chippa is doing a wonderful job, along with everyone outside of canuckville in playing "devils advocate" or playing the part of the "realist"

What we have in fact here is a referee who, by his assignments to playoff games alone, is considered below-par. (over 500 nhl reg season games, only 10 playoff games)

We have a ref with a spotty history of phantom or bad calls, the incidents of high exposure (This one, the Doan one, and the no goal in Detroit.

We have former and current un-named NHL officials stating their Auger-unfriendly take on the situation. That seemingly has no impact on the situation

No Penalty.

we have a player that has turned his game away from the beginnings of a 4th 3rd line player to that of a first line player that scores lots of goals and has impacts on every game he plays either on or off the scoresheet. He makes his feelings and take on the incident (All with video corroboration) He gets fined the CBA allowed max of $2,500 for stating his feelings on the situation.

If this was the New York Rangers or Toronto Maple Laffs we'd have a 2010 version of the Spainish Inquisition... instead it's another "it's just Vancouver and their whiny players, management, and fans. We'll sweep it under the rug and the zillionth consecutive sellout will happen tomorrow night"

This coupled with last years officiating in the Blackhawks Series and the Leafs/Burke/Wilson Tampering incident from July 1 till early in this season... and people wonder why the Canucks fans have a paranoia complex.

Were you aware that during the NHL's investigation into Tampering allegations into the Sedins that none of the following players/people were contacted for interview:

JP Barry (Twins agents)

Tins themselves

Their Swedish Agent.

That sounds to me like a very thorough investigation.

FFS.

1) Bettman will probably never see your letter, you will probably get a nice response from some low-level employee at the office.

2) I think Burrows is a bit off his rocker, as a current Junior official & former Junior A player, I find there is truth in both sides but hardly any possiblity we will ever find the real truth

3) If you watch the post-game bike interview, you will see the Sedin's not to far from Alex Burrows and they aren't telling him to stop or put a lid on it, nor are they backing him up & as his linemates, you would think that if anything was said/heard or any attitudes or some kind of anger towards Burrow's was felt, the Sedin's would more than likely hear about it or know something of it.

4) If the NHL pulls the plug on Auger, the house of cards comes crumbling down. The fact a player can harass an official, to some degree after a game and have the officials job put in jeopardy woudl make the officials look incompetent and the NHLOA would be absolutely up in arms. You have to remember, these guys don't jsut get pulled off of the street, they work in the NHL for a particular reason, they are good at what they do and not just one or two nights, they have been consitently good at various other levels leading up to the NHL. Auger is also not a rookie so we can't just assume that a veteran official is going out and doing these things.

5) Look at Burrows track record, he has been compared, on some telecasts (be they worthy or not so worthy telecasts is a whole other matter) to Sean Avery in his role as superpest. I am not trying to say that Auger is 100% innocent, maybe he did indeed say something that was out of line however, the hand of guilt does not look as though it is pointing at the official in this matter, other than the fact Burrows accused him of doing this, there is no real hard evidence to suggest Auger did make said comments.

1. Correct

2. He was jobbed with two flagrantly suspect calls. TSN and other sources have video evidence of him in Burrows ear pregame prior to the Anthems. Videos of the penalties in that game situation alone should provide some thinking as to the truth.

3. The Sedins were warning to shut his yap because they don't want him fined. Roberto Luongo lost his shit post game about it, and also blasted the offiials. he has no history of these sort of antics. Canucks Management and Staff have backed Burrows to the hilt.

4. If the NHL pulls the plug on Auger they set precedent. No cards come tumbling down at all. This guy has been involved in so many suspect calls and public incidents that I am amazed how the guys still has a job... again he has reffed 10 playoff games and over 500 reg season games, that alone should tell you that he is subpar at best, nevermind his persona and this evidence (on top of Burrows comments, which he would have to be some kind of sociopath to make up a story of that quality with that amount of details in all of 10-15 minutes)

5. Burrows is a self made man, given nothing. He has worked his way from a spot on an ECHL team as an undrafted player to a 1st line spot on a playoff team scoring goals in the hottest line in the NHL. He is still a pest, but this guy is not popping off about tapping movie stars, abusing teammates, and making outrageous and sexually abusive/demeaning comments in the media. Comparing him to Avery is like comparing your friend that got a DUI to Charles Manson. He is a pest yes, is he dirty no, does he dive... yes from time to time, not as much as earlier in his career, but I'd say now as much as any top line NHL'er does. And I watch the better part of 60 or so games per year, not a die hard Canuck fan... in fact I watch more NY Rangers games than Canucks games. I am a Hockey fan first... not a Canucks fan first. I happen to be able to follow them the closest because I live in the market.

[chippa13 1844]

So now the NHL as a whole has it out for the Canucks, sweet.

Come down off the cross any time that you like.

[JohnnyCanuck 0]

An Op-Ed from a guy that is very close, trusted and respected by players and agents across the NHL and other pro sports

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/League+n...5125/story.html

I am not on a cross here. What I am saying is that this is the second publicly debated incident where everyone outside of Canucks Sports & Entertainment and their Die Hard fans has been complicit in aiding and abetting the NHL in Sweeping under the rug, issues with imperical evidence stating that Canucks have been wronged in two seperate situations that call in to question the fairplay and integrity of the game.

Ron Wilson only got a love tap fine for his comments on air, Burke got off Scot free for his comments that were published on Leafs TV naming Kevin Bieksa as someone the Nucks were shopping (who has been f&^king terrible ever since, just pointing it out, not saying that is why) and for other allegations pointed at the former Nucks brass manning that ship that is taking pot shots at the Nucks now.

The Canucks fans bring a lot of trouble on themselves (laser incident etc). I am not saying there is a conspiracy theory going here... what I am saying is that unless you are one of the old boys in the east of the States or Toronto Gary Bettman doesn't give a shit. and you know, we let them get away with it by not staying away from the rink and buying merchandise and giving them ratings on TV.

Shame on Us.

[chippa13 1844]

Gee, great inference made by the writer. Auger spoke to Burrows so he absolutely had to be threatening retribution. I really like how he then attacks Stephen Walkom's credibility. Walkom is one of the best officials in recent memory but hey, that doesn't sell papers like a nice baseless accusation. How about this "penny ante Woodward and Bernstein" do some real journalism and prove that there is some kind of connection to gambling rather than simply throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks?

[Chadd 916]

If the NHL pulls the plug on Auger they set precedent. No cards come tumbling down at all. This guy has been involved in so many suspect calls and public incidents that I am amazed how the guys still has a job... again he has reffed 10 playoff games and over 500 reg season games, that alone should tell you that he is subpar at best, nevermind his persona and this evidence (on top of Burrows comments, which he would have to be some kind of sociopath to make up a story of that quality with that amount of details in all of 10-15 minutes)

Several parts to this point alone, let me take them one at a time.

1. If they fire Auger they set a very bad precedent. A player complains and they fire a ref. You would see a major increase in accusations against officials, maybe not this severe, but the league would look bad publicly and people would begin to doubt all referees.

2. I'm not familiar with all of his mistakes, or how many other officials have had.

3. Getting into the NHL is largely driven by connections. I'm not saying these guys aren't good at what they do, but you have to also have connections to get into the development pipeline and then the league.

4. The connections that get you into the league do not guarantee you playoff games. We had Mick freaking McGeough working the finals a couple years ago, obviously there is not an objective standard to determine post season assignments.

5. If Auger made those comments before the game, why were those comments not relayed to the coach/GM/NHL immediately? Making those comments after losing the game makes you just look like a sore loser. It's also not entirely unlikely that the comments are blown out of proportion or not entirely accurate. That doesn't mean Auger didn't say anything, simply that his comments may have been more of a warning than a threat.

In general, this was handled as poorly as possible by Burrows from the start. A lot of refs would have given him an extra two for unsportsmanlike conduct for his reactions after the penalties. If anything happens to Auger it will happen quietly and out of the spotlight, where it should have been all along. Either his schedule will be reduced or his contract will not be renewed. But there will be no announcement or press release citing this situation. Burrows will now also be on a very tight leash with the NHL as well.

[camhockey16 5]

bet there is a suspension in here somewhere - probably for bradley at least

[vek 0]

A point was made by one of the hosts on a radio show in Toronto, that if the discussion was as outrageous as Burrows claims, he would have immediately notified his coach, who then would have relayed this up through management to the NHL offices.

My guess is that Auger said something to Burrows about playing the game and keeping a watch on him considering his history, which probably wasn't appropriate, but is a far cry from what Burrows claimed was discussed after the events of the game unfolded. And in watching the video of the conversation, the body language between both of them doesn't support the conversation Burrows claims.

In the end, I didn't have a huge deal of respect for Auger based upon the Shane Doan incident from awhile back, but i've even less for Burrows for his lack of tact, as the very least.

[mik3 1]

Bradley better get something. Ovechkin and Downie talked, the took their gear off, Bradley comes flying off the bench to take Downie out.

I understand Downie going at him originally, it's only a matter of time before Ovechkin hurts someone else or even himself by sticking his leg out constantly.

[Chadd 916]

I understand Downie going at him originally, it's only a matter of time before Ovechkin hurts someone else or even himself by sticking his leg out constantly.

We get it, you really don't like Ovechkin. I'm sure that being a Penguins fan has nothing to do with that. He doesn't "stick his leg out", his feet are spread apart while he skates. I guess he should be leaping off the ice into people.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

You can't deny that Ovie has some questionable knee/knee hits. He's already hurt himself in the Gleason incident.

As far as Clutterbucks comments about Gonchar...who the hell is Cal Clutterbuck? Gonchar is a respected veteran known throughout the hockey world, a cup winner, an all star, and olympian, whilst Clutterbuck is a plug who will never top 25 points in a season. If the Wild had more than 2 decent wingers he'd probably be a career AHL'er. Obviously Gonchars hit was out of anger and he let his emotions get the best of him. I've watched alot of Penguins hockey and Gonchar doesnt do stupid shit like that very often, if at all. Yeah it was a dirty hit, yeah he gave him a pop, and IMO he probably should have sat a game, but he didn't, because he's Gonchar and he's respected throughout the league and he doesnt play like that ever. Clutterbuck obviously did something that Gonchar didn't like and Gonchar got him back for it. The way I see it thats the same thing as the Matt Cooke/Duncan Keith hit from a few weeks ago when most were defending Keith for just 'getting him at the other end'.

Noones going to come after Gonchar for retribution or anything else. If someone were foolish enough to attack the heart and soul of the Penguins defense, they will find themselves being the one hearing footsteps and looking over their shoulder in any subsequent meetings against Pittsburgh.

[Trooper 8]

I understand Downie going at him originally, it's only a matter of time before Ovechkin hurts someone else or even himself by sticking his leg out constantly.

We get it, you really don't like Ovechkin. I'm sure that being a Penguins fan has nothing to do with that. He doesn't "stick his leg out", his feet are spread apart while he skates. I guess he should be leaping off the ice into people.

It has nothing to do with him being a Pens fan, AO is involved in too many incidents at this point for it to be coincidence. Malicious? Probably not. Careless? Absolutely.

[adam14 182]

You can't deny that Ovie has some questionable knee/knee hits. He's already hurt himself in the Gleason incident.

As far as Clutterbucks comments about Gonchar...who the hell is Cal Clutterbuck? Gonchar is a respected veteran known throughout the hockey world, a cup winner, an all star, and olympian, whilst Clutterbuck is a plug who will never top 25 points in a season. If the Wild had more than 2 decent wingers he'd probably be a career AHL'er. Obviously Gonchars hit was out of anger and he let his emotions get the best of him. I've watched alot of Penguins hockey and Gonchar doesnt do stupid shit like that very often, if at all. Yeah it was a dirty hit, yeah he gave him a pop, and IMO he probably should have sat a game, but he didn't, because he's Gonchar and he's respected throughout the league and he doesnt play like that ever. Clutterbuck obviously did something that Gonchar didn't like and Gonchar got him back for it. The way I see it thats the same thing as the Matt Cooke/Duncan Keith hit from a few weeks ago when most were defending Keith for just 'getting him at the other end'.

Noones going to come after Gonchar for retribution or anything else. If someone were foolish enough to attack the heart and soul of the Penguins defense, they will find themselves being the one hearing footsteps and looking over their shoulder in any subsequent meetings against Pittsburgh.

So because Gonchar is a vet, it's ok for him to throw a dirty hit, is what you're basically saying.

[dsjunior1388 81]

Campbell will be speaking about the Auger-Burrows situation at noon. There will be a live feed on NHL.com

[Trooper 8]

You can't deny that Ovie has some questionable knee/knee hits. He's already hurt himself in the Gleason incident.

As far as Clutterbucks comments about Gonchar...who the hell is Cal Clutterbuck? Gonchar is a respected veteran known throughout the hockey world, a cup winner, an all star, and olympian, whilst Clutterbuck is a plug who will never top 25 points in a season. If the Wild had more than 2 decent wingers he'd probably be a career AHL'er. Obviously Gonchars hit was out of anger and he let his emotions get the best of him. I've watched alot of Penguins hockey and Gonchar doesnt do stupid shit like that very often, if at all. Yeah it was a dirty hit, yeah he gave him a pop, and IMO he probably should have sat a game, but he didn't, because he's Gonchar and he's respected throughout the league and he doesnt play like that ever. Clutterbuck obviously did something that Gonchar didn't like and Gonchar got him back for it. The way I see it thats the same thing as the Matt Cooke/Duncan Keith hit from a few weeks ago when most were defending Keith for just 'getting him at the other end'.

Noones going to come after Gonchar for retribution or anything else. If someone were foolish enough to attack the heart and soul of the Penguins defense, they will find themselves being the one hearing footsteps and looking over their shoulder in any subsequent meetings against Pittsburgh.

So because Gonchar is a vet, it's ok for him to throw a dirty hit, is what you're basically saying.

No, that's not what he said, read it again. Cutterbuck went after Gonchar, Gonchar went after Cutterbuck with a nasty hit, which got him a 5. For Cutterbuck to act like it's the start of some long feud is pretty funny.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

You can't deny that Ovie has some questionable knee/knee hits. He's already hurt himself in the Gleason incident.

As far as Clutterbucks comments about Gonchar...who the hell is Cal Clutterbuck? Gonchar is a respected veteran known throughout the hockey world, a cup winner, an all star, and olympian, whilst Clutterbuck is a plug who will never top 25 points in a season. If the Wild had more than 2 decent wingers he'd probably be a career AHL'er. Obviously Gonchars hit was out of anger and he let his emotions get the best of him. I've watched alot of Penguins hockey and Gonchar doesnt do stupid shit like that very often, if at all. Yeah it was a dirty hit, yeah he gave him a pop, and IMO he probably should have sat a game, but he didn't, because he's Gonchar and he's respected throughout the league and he doesnt play like that ever. Clutterbuck obviously did something that Gonchar didn't like and Gonchar got him back for it. The way I see it thats the same thing as the Matt Cooke/Duncan Keith hit from a few weeks ago when most were defending Keith for just 'getting him at the other end'.

Noones going to come after Gonchar for retribution or anything else. If someone were foolish enough to attack the heart and soul of the Penguins defense, they will find themselves being the one hearing footsteps and looking over their shoulder in any subsequent meetings against Pittsburgh.

So because Gonchar is a vet, it's ok for him to throw a dirty hit, is what you're basically saying.

No you retard, I even said that I felt he probably should have sat a game. If I was in charge he would have sat a game, does that make it more clear for you? With the way the league handles things I believe the only reason they didn't suspend him is because he has no history of dirty play at all over his long career. I cant believe anyone thinks they're going to suspend someone over a hit like that when they let so many other worse hits go unpunished this year alone. The thought of him getting suspended for that shot never even crossed my mind. Nowhere in my post did I say anything remotely close to it being okay for veteran players to run around with a blatant disregard for the rules all the time. Gonch lost his emotion, went back after Clutterbuck for the prior incident that happend in the other end, got his 5 minutes worth and that was that. Exactly what happend between Cooke/Keith a few weeks ago.

At any rate, he's already played another game and he's not going to get a fine or anything so its a moot point.