Suspend Chris Pronger

[OsGOD 3]

The only thing the NHL is going to do to Pronger is suck his %#@ some more and give him the Norris.... I would be SHOCKED if they did anything differently.

[CMICHdave 0]

I was under the impression the Norris trophy voting is completed, and it's only for the regular season anyway.

[Nightfall 871]

McKenzie's article doesn't really say anything this thread hasn't, but I still like hearing an outside view.

Bob McKenzie's article- "could go either way"

To suspend or not to suspend.

If Pronger is suspended, for no more than one game, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise. The score of the game and the fact it was an elbow from behind doing some damage to Holmstrom's head and that it was also perceived as payback for earlier events will work against Pronger and the Ducks.

If Pronger isn't suspended, well, that won't be a huge shock either. Holmstrom apparently did not suffer serious injury on the play, it's the Western Conference final and there have been hits like this one that have in the past gone unpunished.

A statement was made alright, but it was by the guys in red.

Now we will wait to see what statement, if any, the league makes.

Simon was suspended for the stick incident on Hollweg. All Hollweg required was stitches. It was the intent more than anything that was penalized. Even though Holmstrom came back to play, that shouldn't even be factored in. All things considered though, I think that only warrants 1 game, or 2 at the most.

[Cruiser008 37]

When does the league usually arrive at a decision in cases such as this? I assume today but when? Anyone know?

[toby91_ca 620]

Pronger just took himself out of the running for the Norris with his dirty stunt. Nice one Chris.

The Norris trophy winner has already been determined, simply won't be announced until after the playoffs.

All voting occurs before the playoffs begin.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

As for suspension, I dunno, 1 game maybe. Radulov got a game for hitting Berny. I've seen far worse hits from behind. People talking 5 games or the remainder of the playoffs are letting their emotions trump reason.

Refs shoulda called Prongs for the 5 + game. The league should review it and the league shoulda given him at least a game. Perhaps 2 based on what appeared to be pretty obvious intent. Think about it, Pronger vacated his defensive responsibilities and chased homer almost to the tops of the circles to finish the hit. I've played D pretty much my whole life and the only time i've ever forgone coverage (remember, homer dumped the puck back down low, so prongers dumbass should've been back down there somewhere and not 30 feet out front of the net along the boards) is when i've wanted to go out of my way to get a piece of someone. That's what pronger did. He had no intention of playing the game at that moment.

IMO the suspension should be at least 5 games, how is what Pronger did any less worse than what Mclennan did? Remember, Mclennan is a backup, 5 games for him is nothing, and what he did couldn't be potentially life threatening. Pronger won't be suspended, I'd crap my pants if he was.

As for Pronger being out of position, he was following his man, watch the replay, Pronger followed Homer while he was cycling they puck. That part of it was good play. Pronger chasing Homer was a solid defensive play, that's how you break up a cycle. However, the hit itself was dirty. Not that he hit Homer, just how he hit Homer.

[akustyk 84]

you know... I honestly give no f* about Norris Trophy when the Stanley Cup is virtually in sight. sure, nothing takes back the time and erases the shunt Homer had to acquire. but if the league sends a message this is not gonna be tolerated I'd be sleeping better knowing Wings would be in better physical shape if they advance to SCF, and hence having better chance to reach the ultimate goal.

with Campbell turtling and pretending this was nothing serious, there's clear message you can hit the Wings and do every crap you want and the league wont do a s*** about it. and I have no doubt that Dirty Ducks will use this permission in abundance from Game 4 on. which not only makes it more difficult for us to reach SCF, but also leaves flat-tired to match Sens (or whomever) should we both advance to the finals. and with the speed and energy of both Eastern candidates I see no way worn-out Wings could win it. honestly, zero chance

[ttbrunke 0]

Holmstrom was off balance and his head may have been a bit lower than normal, his helmet may have been on too loose. The point is that when Pronger hit Homer he led with his hands to his head. When you check somone you don't lead with your hands, use the body Pronger you do way like twice as much as everyone else. Your hands should not be that high. Also it was a check from behind at best it is a 5 minute boarding penalty.

IMO the suspension should be at least 5 games, how is what Pronger did any less worse than what Mclennan did? Remember, Mclennan is a backup, 5 games for him is nothing, and what he did couldn't be potentially life threatening. Pronger won't be suspended, I'd crap my pants if he was.

As for Pronger being out of position, he was following his man, watch the replay, Pronger followed Homer while he was cycling they puck. That part of it was good play. Pronger chasing Homer was a solid defensive play, that's how you break up a cycle. However, the hit itself was dirty. Not that he hit Homer, just how he hit Homer.

It is the NHL and Pronger is the biggest name on the ducks so of course he won't get a suspension. If pronger had done that on Sidney Crosby he may be banned for life but because it was just homer he won't get a thing.

[rick zombo 3,739]

with Campbell turtling and pretending this was nothing serious, there's clear message you can hit the Wings and do every crap you want and the league wont do a s*** about it. and I have no doubt that Dirty Ducks will use this permission in abundance from Game 4 on. which not only makes it more difficult for us to reach SCF, but also leaves flat-tired to match Sens (or whomever) should we both advance to the finals. and with the speed and energy of both Eastern candidates I see no way worn-out Wings could win it. honestly, zero chance

First off, did Campbell go on record saying anything at all yet? Link? I've heard no statement, official or otherwise from the head office yet.

Secondly, it's pretty early yet to assume how the Wings will play in th SCF, if they even get there. Or how the Sens will play regardless of who they face.

Basically, just a bunch of presumptions from you. Correct?

[Henkka 0]

I think Pronger hurt more his team than Homer in this incident. I just read this one month old Teemu Selanne interview from Finnish sportsmagazine IS Veikkaaja:

Selanne describes Pronger a player who is acting very well inside the team and he knows his value to the team.

- He isn't very loudy guy in the lockeroom, but he is the only guy, which our coach is a little bit scary against. If I decide ask from Carlyle an off-day for the team, he'll just laugh for me. But if Pronger asks it, Randy will agree without a question.

Selanne compares Pronger like a mother, which feelings will influence to the whole family.

- Your have to keep your mother happy in your family, then all the others family members will stay happy. But if your daddy is unhappy, others can still be happy.

So you can read it between the lines. When Pronger loses his game, then the whole Ducks team will lose their game.

Fine for the Wings.

Translated from Finnish to my bad English, there could be some mistakes, sorry about that.

Edited May 16, 2007 by Henkka

[akustyk 84]

First off, did Campbell go on record saying anything at all yet? Link? I've heard no statement, official or otherwise from the head office yet.

Secondly, it's pretty early yet to assume how the Wings will play in th SCF, if they even get there. Or how the Sens will play regardless of who they face.

Basically, just a bunch of presumptions from you. Correct?

of course it's all "would" / "if" / "should".

still... I'd like the league to not blatantly refuse to do justice and impede our chances to win something. Pronger deserves a suspension here, and except for some Ducks fans and Bob McKenzie (who has his nose brown from sticking it into Brian Burke's ass) most hockey followers see this matter clear.

and yeah... I'm thinking ahead of this game or another because our chances are really looking good and I'd like Wings to possibly reach SCF in good shape.

last but not least - I sure have doubts about Campbell and whether he reacts to the situation properly. this league has a history of turtling on such matters and knowing how Brian Burke is influential and how Buttman loves to see Californian market team to suceed... I realistically don't expect a fair punishment here.

[edicius 3,269]

The media tide is turning on Pronger and the Ducks, that's for sure.

Listening to XM this morning, listening to a call-in from one of NHL Home Ice's regulars (can't remember who it was), he said of the Holmstrom hit:

"And that was when the thuggery began. After that, I lost any respect I ever had for this Ducks team."

Add them to another group calling for a Pronger suspension.

[bringback91 2]

of course it's all "would" / "if" / "should".

still... I'd like the league to not blatantly refuse to do justice and impede our chances to win something. Pronger deserves a suspension here, and except for some Ducks fans and Bob McKenzie (who has his nose brown from sticking it into Brian Burke's ass) most hockey followers see this matter clear.

and yeah... I'm thinking ahead of this game or another because our chances are really looking good and I'd like Wings to possibly reach SCF in good shape.

last but not least - I sure have doubts about Campbell and whether he reacts to the situation properly. this league has a history of turtling on such matters and knowing how Brian Burke is influential and how Buttman loves to see Californian market team to suceed... I realistically don't expect a fair punishment here.

Neither do I. For example if it were Quincey or Markov that did the exact same thing, they'd be suspended for sure. Or like someone else said, if Pronger did that to Crosby, he'd be gone. but since it's Pronger on Homer, along with many other polictical factors expect to see his tiny head in that giant helmet come game 4. What goes around comes around though.

[akustyk 84]

Neither do I. For example if it were Quincey or Markov that did the exact same thing, they'd be suspended for sure. Or like someone else said, if Pronger did that to Crosby, he'd be gone. but since it's Pronger on Homer, along with many other polictical factors expect to see his tiny head in that giant helmet come game 4. What goes around comes around though.

reallistically, I'm not 100% sure no suspension to Pronger will hurt us. they could use

the fact of being shorthanded to fuel their karma (just as we did when loosing Schneids)

and come out big in Game 4. now if Pronger stays and we keep pressuring him and do

s*** around this clown, who's most certainly gonna be closely observed by the refs.

in such case I can easilly see him loosing his cool and dragging his team down to lose

Game 4. and seriously digging Ducks confidence which may already be in trouble.

whatever the league does, I just hope Wings do their job and play their game. we are

perfectly able to win this series with the jump and willingness this team has shown

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

IMO the suspension should be at least 5 games, how is what Pronger did any less worse than what Mclennan did? Remember, Mclennan is a backup, 5 games for him is nothing, and what he did couldn't be potentially life threatening. Pronger won't be suspended, I'd crap my pants if he was.

As for Pronger being out of position, he was following his man, watch the replay, Pronger followed Homer while he was cycling they puck. That part of it was good play. Pronger chasing Homer was a solid defensive play, that's how you break up a cycle. However, the hit itself was dirty. Not that he hit Homer, just how he hit Homer.

I've played defense for probably close to 18 years or so give or take. Maybe we went to different hockey schools or something. Where I come from the recognition should've been there for Pronger that he was not going to get to Holmstrom and because of body position and Niedermayer coming from up top that homer's best play (being left handed and all) and the obvious play would be to cycle the puck back down low. If Pronger had been thinking about the game he'd have realized the puck was destined to go back down low. Niedermayer had the up top coverage. If Pronger wanted to break up the cycle he shoud've been down by the goal line prepared to intercept the pass along the wall. When Pronger vacated his area he's leaving it up to his partner or a weak side forward to fill his position down low which, in the defensive zone is absolutely not what I would do. If that pass makes it down low you have Pronger trapped up high, a wings forward with possession down low and a forward or d trying to get to him and that leaves 1, if not 2 wings coming from the weak side for a tap in.

I guarantee you if this is a 1 goal game or a tied game, Pronger doesn't think about chasing Homer down. That's Niedermayer's coverage right there. Plus, Pronger saw Niedermayer coming, what on Earth would make him think that the 2 of them needed to converge on 1 player along the boards who is going to release the puck prior to you getting there anyway.

I disagree with your assessment of how to play defense. No offense of course.

[Elshupacabra 0]

From Babcock:

"My problem is I havent seen it a bunch of times. You know, Im a big believer, youre supposed to finish your check. Im a big believer in looking after each other. What I mean by that is, I dont care how much is on the line at any time, you have to look after the other player. When he doesnt see you and you decide youre going to bury his head off the turn buckle or whatever, thats a decision you make. We make lots of decisions."

He then talks about a hit in the Buffalo game and finishes with: "No one wants to hurt anybody. People want to play hard; no one wants to hurt anybody."

What I think he ment by that is somthing that our local broadcaster (Mickey Redmond) says often: "If your coming in for the check and the guy is in a vulnerable position, no matter how much is on the line, no matter what the situation, you've got to give up the hit. Out of respect for the player and the game" Chris Pronger didn't do that...obviously...

[rick zombo 3,739]

reallistically, I'm not 100% sure no suspension to Pronger will hurt us. they could use

the fact of being shorthanded to fuel their karma (just as we did when loosing Schneids)

and come out big in Game 4. now if Pronger stays and we keep pressuring him and do

s*** around this clown, who's most certainly gonna be closely observed by the refs.

in such case I can easilly see him loosing his cool and dragging his team down to lose

Game 4. and seriously digging Ducks confidence which may already be in trouble.

whatever the league does, I just hope Wings do their job and play their game. we are

perfectly able to win this series with the jump and willingness this team has shown

This is how I feel as well. Good post.

[RedRum #1 0]

I think the league will suspend Pronger for a game, but the Ducks are perfectly capable of beating Detroit without him. Detroit just has to focus on their game and keep skating and using their depth.

[puertoricanWingsfan 5]

I'd be seriously shocked if any suspensions happen, I really would. But if the WIngs continue to play the way they have been in the last three games, Pronger will get sent to the golf course either way.

[gcom007 1,465]

gbettman@nhl.com

ccampbell@nhl.com

Nothing's bounced back to me yet which means they are legit in some way, shape or form...hey, it's worth a shot...keep it classy if you do though...

Edited May 16, 2007 by gcom007

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

I'd be seriously shocked if any suspensions happen, I really would. But if the WIngs continue to play the way they have been in the last three games, Pronger will get sent to the golf course either way.

Eh. We need to play like we did in game 3. Game's 1 and 2 we didn't play very well.

[Dominator2005 558]

Cleary Pronger meant to hit Homer in the head. From behind. f*** this bulls*** about finishing their check. Niedermayer dirty tactics weren't well known to me before this series, although I do remember him being a nasty guy to play against.

As for Pronger - he had both arms UP. Aimed for Homer's head. Made contact. INTENT TO INJURE.

Unfortunately the NHL will suspend Pronger a game, if even that. Do not expect the ******* at head office to suspend an important Anaheim player for more than that.

As for next game - worry about the win, which is what Babcock will tell these guys, i'm sure. The rest will even out ... say when we're in the Finals and yet another million idiots who said Anaheim would steamroll us are silenced. Calgary? San Jose? Anaheim's next ...

[akustyk 84]

gbettman@nhl.com

ccampbell@nhl.com

Nothing's bounced back to me yet which means they are legit in some way, shape or form...hey, it's worth a shot...keep it classy if you do though...

I bet it's redirected to /dev/null in procmail

(in English: deleted )

[donfishmaster 62]

The Prick-Pronger and Nigglermeijer both absolutely deserve suspensions. They boarded with intent to injure and I don't believe any intelligent person who watched the replay can in any way deny that. Yeah, Prick-Pronger is a tall ******-bag, but he still had his arms up to whack the back of Homer's head. The ONLY way the league can put a halt to intentional attempts to injure another player is with suspension, especially in the playoffs. The fact Homer came back is utterly irrelevant.

That said, the league will never EVER do that because they are gutless and wouldn't want two of their star c@cksuckers off the ice for fear of the effect on TV ratings.

God, I hate Prick-Pronger. He is the one guy (besides Claude Lepoo and Patrick Roy) who, if the Wings obtained him, would require me to evaluate my loyalty to the Winged Wheel.

I'm sooo glad you were able to come back, Homer. You're a warrior.

[esteef 2,679]

gbettman@nhl.com

ccampbell@nhl.com

Nothing's bounced back to me yet which means they are legit in some way, shape or form...hey, it's worth a shot...keep it classy if you do though...

Done and Done.

f*** Pronger. Radulov got a game with no past history, just look at Prongers track record.

Suspend his ass!

esteef