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My thoughts exactly at first, but someone mentioned (I forgot how many pages ago) that the maximum fine a player can receive is $2,500. In that case, I agree with a suspension only to get the bigger dollar figure for the fine. Ideally they should be able to fine players whatever amount they want, but that's another battle altogether. I would certainly keep the suspension on par with other incidents the league has faced and actually doled out suspensions for though. 6 for Avery was too high in my opinion. esteef

Assumption and not true. I've got no fixation with Bettman, and in fact, have never ragged on him before this incident. I understand he's trying to do what he thinks is right for the sport, he's just not very good at it. Just sayin'... esteef

Now you're gettin' it! Although I'm not a Bettman hater, I'm more of a Bettman Hater Sympathizer. esteef

Silly indeed. esteef

So no one in Dallas spoke out in support of the punishment? No One? No players (wishing to remain anonymous?), no coaches, no GM's? Please... you're just flailing to hang on to your point now. esteef

Forgive him. Millionaires aren't used to doing their own chores. esteef

So based on your response here we can all easily discern that every player and coach is in complete agreement with what has transpired in this latest Avery incident, especially the suspension, right? Because if they weren't in total agreement, we would see players and coaches speaking out in the media, and since there haven't been any, that can ONLY mean they all agree, right? I mean there's absolutely no fear of any kind of reprimand from the league at all so why wouldn't they speak out? There's never been any "proof" of anyone ever being reprimanded for comments against the league or its commisioner so that must mean the fear of reprimand is completely bogus and it's ok to do it, right? I mean the only reason players and coaches haven't spoken out about the league and the commisioner's decisions up to this point is obviously because they have always agreed with everything the league has done and all its decisions. Is that accurate? See how ridiculous that sounds? esteef

The answer is he wouldn't, but he won't say that because it's giving in to your point and there's no way in hell he's doing THAT regardless of how ridiculous he may look. I haven't seen any coach or player actually employed by the NHL speak out against Avery's suspension. I wonder why? All the coaches and players are in 100% agreement with it? Hard to believe, especially when there is so much dissention amongst the media types and fans on this subject. Of course media types and fans are immune to any punishment from the league so they can speak their mind as they please but that's beside the point right Shoreline? Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it ain't there. esteef

SLOPPY SECONDS!!!!! f*** the Flames! calfan, where you at?!! esteef

Missed my point entirely again. No one says change the game, the locker room antics enhance the game on the ice for the viewer. Get it? The viewer, the fan, the one that funnels money into the sport? The NBA doesn't have problems drawing fan interest because they understand this, so does the NFL. The promotion and build-up only make the games even more exciting to watch, therefore generating interest. The NHL stomping Avery down with a ridiculous suspension only discourages excitement. BTW, "We have to face the music..." doesn't sound like a good marketing strategy to me. Sounds like giving up. esteef

Agree. Hell, the bottom feeder team that signs him will instantly get at least a month of free top notch publicity just for signing him. Small market team marketing anyone? esteef

Not saying it's boring on the ice, I like it, I just know that it doesn't seem to be exciting enough to attract the number of fans the NHL is looking for. All those warmer climates have sports networks on tv yes? So couldn't controversial NHL player interviews like Avery's attract people watching their respective sports shows? I mean they do have NHL teams in those areas, maybe drum up enough controversy to get people out to a game? "The league is not one that draws it's fanbase from s*** talking locker rooms". That's what the NFL and NBA used to say, now they count their millions. Are the actual games any different because of the locker room antics? I think not. Are they more exciting? Absolutely. esteef

I like Melrose, but good post nonetheless. esteef

Once again, not talking about on-ice play here, which you so conveniently keep going back to. On-ice play doesn't attract fans, if it did, the NHL would be a lot more popular. Potential fans don't grow up playing hockey in the US (for the most part), they don't know the rules, the strategy, etc that would enhance their game watching experience. That's why they like the big hits, the fights, the characters in the media, it's s*** they can understand and relate to. Maybe a shock jock such as Avery, might be enough of an attraction to keep them around long enough to learn the game and become a true fan of the game. Potential fans probably think the league is even more silly now for suspending a player for saying "sloppy seconds" in the media in comparison to what NFL, NBA players say/get in trouble for. esteef

Crosby was just an example of the NHL's current lineup of boring stars. You can insert pretty much any other NHL player's name there. The point is, the league, with this suspension, is essentially saying we want our players to talk and act like Crosby, (the NHL's current poster child), not Avery. Most of the country, which is where the league is trying to grow, don't give two s***s about what boring ass Crosby or any other player like him has to say. Players like Crosby are safe and PC, nothing exciting, nothing to attract attention. Diversity anyone? What I want the NHL to do is not stamp out every opportunity to inject some life and color into itself. Where are the Roenick's, the Hull's of today? Where's a character people can root for, or against? That's what makes it fun! But stuff like this happens and the league can't seem to figure out why the NFL, NBA, etc continue to stomp them in the ratings and fanbase size. esteef

Need a little excitement? Snap into a Sean Avery!!! Cheers! esteef

Easy there Spock. My argument is well documented throughout this thread. My point here is that with this ridiculous Avery suspension, the league is basically telling its fans to accept boring ass player drones like Crosby or tuff titties, go watch something else. Well guess what? They will. esteef note: The boring here refers to their media presence, not their on-ice play, so don't go gettin' your panties bunched up about Crosby being "boring".

Is this how fanbases are gained? Crosby or get out? Good Luck NHL. esteef

At this point, I'd rather watch a game with Avery over one with Crosby. How's THAT for marketing? Suck it NHL! esteef

Good for Barry. f*** Tampa! esteef

STILL GOING!... esteef

I thought the Zetts-Hossa-Kopecky line looked good for the few short minutes they were together against the Hawks. Just sayin'... esteef

You can't say that here! It's bad for our image!!!

Completely off topic but these two photos were on the first page of results when I Google image searched "Barry Melrose" Have fun! esteef

Maltby had a huge hit behind the net last night. It was a thing of beauty. Just sayin'....