Bettman suspends Lidstrom, Datsyuk 1-game each

[up2here 41]

Yeah, ok.

This is the type of situation that is better handled with a phone call than a press release. I have no doubt the NHL would be within their right to take action, especially if Nick and Dats were just there for meet and greets. But it makes everyone involved look bad when it appears that the NHL is threatening the players.

It appears the league didnt want it to be public knowledge and Dregor just broke the story. I hope this is the case.

[55fan 5,133]

The NHLPA lawyers will eat this alive. Apparently the NHL invited at least one more Red Wing after Datsyuk and Lidstrom could not make it -- will whomever that person is be suspended as well?

It really infuriates me that Bettman is treating someone like Datsyuk and especially Lidstrom like they are pampered prima donnas. Lidstrom has really earned this sort of disrespect.

I doubt that the last-minute requests will be treated the same. They would have already made plans, and were not chosen to participate.

What I wonder is why the Wings are the only ones mentioned. Are they the only ones who aren't planning to show up? And why is that? Are they showing Bettman that this voting thing is a farce? Is that what Bettman is really mad about? Tune in next time for "As the Puck Turns".

[Barrie 900]

As mentioned, being Lidstrom and Datsyuk, with a week off, they probably went back home to Sweden/Russia for a rest and to see family.

The demands on the Red Wings top players since the lockout has been very intense. 2006 they were in the Olympics, 2007 they went to the Western Conference Finals, 2008 they won the Stanley Cup, in 2010 they are back to the Olympics, and the World Cup of Hockey is coming up... Add to that, 2009, 2010, and 2011 could be long playoffs as well. These guys have had very very short summers since 2005, and many more short ones coming up. If I were them, I'd take the extra rest and the game suspension, and let Bettman complain and cry.

Edit: Personally I think the NHL demands too much of it's players with it's 82 Game Season, 2+ months of playoffs, Olympics, and The World Cup.

Edited January 23, 2009 by Barrie

[Lovin Jiri Fischer 147]

Well duh of course Crosby's going. He loves having his picture taken. I bet if he didn't show up, for off-ice stuff, none of this suspension talk would be happening in the first place.

And Bettman looks nervous because the Stanley Cup Champions are not going. He should have thought about that before allowing fans to stuff the ballot boxes, and asking Marleau to fill in for Datsyuk instead of Hossa or Zetterberg. This game is a joke and I can tell ratings are going to be low.

[Slave 31]

pav should just give rory fitzpatrick a call i am sure he is dying to go, and without having a big head if i were lidstrom i would be, "yeah you want me to go so i can play against mike komisarek? (sp) are you f'n serious..blow me bettman"

[lfd250 1]

Well it got his boy in Cindy to go, so it should make him happy.

[egroen 384]

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=510180

Paul Kelly saying the NHLPA can do nothing about it.

[Wings_Toledo 233]

"The NHL says it will enforce an understanding that all players who decline to show after being named to the All-Star teams must miss at least one game before or one game after the All-Star weekend."

To me, an understanding is different from a legal rule. This possible suspension seems like Bettman on a power trip rather than an attempt to regulate conduct. If two players from a different team declined in the same fashion as Lidstrom and Datsyuk I'd still feel the same way. Who cares if they don't want to be there? You can't force players to attend a promotional event (and a pathetic, half-assed one at that).

[Phazon 24]

it is ridicilous how the league and fans hate lidstrom after all he has done for the league. It is only because he is swedish,if he was canadian like crosby he would be worshipped by god.

Reading hfboard fans hating on lidstrom really makes me sick.

[Sound-Chaser 3]

I know we're supposed to be nice and polite on the board, but seriously Bettman, you're a ******* ****** and you need to be shot in the head.

[TheCaptain19 49]

wow. bettman reminds me of a horrible girlfriend.

[Reds4Life 51]

So that little ***** really went for it

Dats and Lids are suspended 1 game each.

http://www.rds.ca/hockey/chroniques/267653.html

(in french)

[wings5gal 0]

Well, actually, Lidstrom shouldn't be going to the meet n greets. He's having problems with his elbow. All that hand shaking and autograph signing can't be good for it.

It's Betteman's evil plot to keep him injured.

[55fan 5,133]

wow. bettman reminds me of a horrible girlfriend.

He was. Before the surgery.

Now he reminds me of Rumplestiltskin. I can just see him hopping around his office.

[ltgator333 3]

If it was me in either of their shoes-

Not only would I not go, but if he did indeed suspend me, I'd more likely never go to another one.

[Phazon 24]

http://www.rds.ca/hockey/chroniques/267653.html

edit: I guess were still waiting for CONFIRMATION? Sorry guys, some french guy told me it was done but it seems not,

Edited January 23, 2009 by Phazon

[55fan 5,133]

Well, actually, Lidstrom shouldn't be going to the meet n greets. He's having problems with his elbow. All that hand shaking and autograph signing can't be good for it.

It's Betteman's evil plot to keep him injured.

:clap: :clap:

So, now for the game against CBJ we have no Lids or Dats. What's up with Mule and Stuart? Will they be back and ready?

[lets go pavel 2]

Is there a translation? How can they be suspended when they haven't even missed it yet?

[egroen 384]

Brodeur missed the event last year because he had "family reasons".

He was not suspended (despite what some believe).

The All Star game was January 27, 2008 and Brodeur played in net for the Devils their first game back, losing to Pittsburgh on January 29th.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=280129011

Edited January 23, 2009 by egroen

[P. Marlowe 748]

[shoe 165]

Does this mean there will be call ups from Grand Rapids? This isnt going to cost us a player going up and down through waivers is it?

[55fan 5,133]

I don't speak French, but as best I can tell it says:

The NHL has suspended Datsyuk and Lidstrom for refusing to participate in an event sponsored by the league. They will be suspended without pay. Brodour received the same treatment after missing an allstar game.

Gary Bettman, the bastard offspring of a mutant iguana and a leprechaun, has imposed these sanctions after the Wings told him to blow it out his bum, which is, as the rest of him, full of unmentionable waste product.

OK, I made the last paragraph up. But the first part is as close as I can come to accurate.

EDIT: lets go pavel's translation below is accurate. My first paragraph is not. Ignore it.

Edited January 23, 2009 by 55fan

[JayUp88 1]

Maybe next time they'll think twice before dropping out of a FAN event. Lids wasn't hurt Tuesday, plus that was 3 days ago. Man up boys and go represent your team.

[Bluedevils_13 0]

Great, thanks Gary, I bought tickets to the Jackets Wings game to see my two favorite playeres play and now I don't get too because you are a little girl. I am seriously thinking about writing a letter, but I know it won't make the slightest difference. It is a shame that he has to make fans suffer just to get his own personal vendettas across.

[wingnut03 0]

what worries me is that we will have to call some of the kids up from grand rapids but because of our salary cap position, we may have an issue bringing anyone up..