Bring Back The Bruise Bros

Decent scrap. Good to see Smith can handle himself when necessary. We've been lacking this style of players for a while now.

The fan wasn't wrong standing and clapping..Its unfortunate Rypien reacted the way he did. You pay big bucks to sit behind the benches. Security shouldn't have to be everywhere. Players should have more control than Rypien did, but at the same time, he JUST grabbed the guy's shirt. Nothing major at all. 5 game suspension seems adequate. Not too harsh, but sends the message that no matter how subtle, physical contact with fans can't happen.

I've been wondering what's going on with him as well. Haven't heard about him lately. Isn't he back in the WHL?

Don't give the guy any ideas

A HUGE bullet dodged, indeed.

I guess we should be thankful the fan wasn't black, otherwise Rypien would be looking at a hate crime and jail time..

Absolutely 100% agreed.

How many people get to say they went face to face with an NHL Tough Guy? I'd take the tickets and free food!

I'm with ya on that. Its just laughable to sue someone for grabbing your shirt in MY eyes.

I stand corrected. I don't agree with it, but it is the law I suppose. Had Rypien dragged the kid down and kicked him with his skate, would be an assault to me. But I guess Rypien is facing as minor of an assault charge as possible.

Grabbing a person's shirt is assault? I'm not saying what Rypien did was right, but assault? Seriously?

Why do you say that? Kenny and the gang seem to have high hopes for him.

If you're gonna fight, you take the risk of getting hurt. Its the player's choice. It should be the player's choice whether to wear a shield or not.

He grabbed the kid. He didn't assault him. I'm thinking a 5 game suspension.

Less you= great news

Good point. I think if a guy is willing to take the risk, that's up to them whether to wear a shield or not. Like I've said, its about half and half between players right now. Good point. I think if a guy is willing to take the risk, that's up to them whether to wear a shield or not. Like I've said, its about half and half between players right now.

I'll admit, I was calling for his head. He was solid after that, though. Sucks to see him in Anaheim. He's starting to age. Wonder how much he's got left in him after this year.

Richards-Neal-Niskanen would he competitive

That's why I think there should be an additional minor for fighting with a visor on. I realize punching the side of a helmet hurts as well. I know you're not trying to start anything, and I'm not either. I just think it should be left to each individual player to decide whether he wants to wear a visor or not.

The big problem I see is like what happened last night. Bryan Bickell and David Backes (Both wear visors) decided to square off. Problem is they didn't bother to drop the shields before throwing. It hurts like a ***** when you punch a visor, believe me. You don't usually feel it right away, but when your adrenaline lowers, you feel it after the fight. Easy way to shorten your season by breaking your hand on a visor. I know a while back Jared Boll broke his hand in a fight where he punched a visor. Big issue in my mind. Does it protect guys eyes? Sure. Does it have its negatives? You bet. Ask Brian Burke what he thinks about mandatory visors in the NHL.

Gaborik-Prospal-Staal Getzlaf-Ryan-Fowler Lucic-Horton-Chara

Its definitely the player's choice. Absolutely ridiculous to even think they'd make visors mandatory.

Hard to forget his turnover to Selanne in the 2007 WCF..

I'd say about half wear a shield and half don't in the NHL today. I still say Lidstrom, Cleary, and Draper don't look right with the visor on.

I hope Miami chokes and LeBroad never gets a title. LET'S GO PISTONS!