Interesting Campbell-Hate Article on Yahoo

[Datsyerberger 279]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Aqaf...o&type=lgns

This is related to the Malkin suspension, but is more an article attacking the NHL management, Campbell, and its whimsical treatment of the rules:

The National Hockey League rule book spells out 87 rules and hundreds of sub-rules that govern its game. There is an 88th rule that goes unwritten: The league’s braintrust can invalidate any of the others, so long as it behooves their short-sighted and selfish interests.

No group of management has so mangled its sport as the NHL, and its never-ending quest for redemption and relevance turned laughable again Sunday night following Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Joe Louis Arena. The league overturned an automatic one-game suspension handed down to Pittsburgh star Evgeni Malkin(notes), whose post-whistle elbow and subsequent fight with Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg(notes) earned him an instigator penalty.

Because Malkin’s antics came with 19 seconds remaining in the Penguins’ 3-1 loss that left them facing a 2-0 series deficit, it triggered Rule 47.22, which hands down the one-game ban to players who instigate a fight in the game’s final five minutes. It is a rule to prevent the kind of thuggery and frustration spilling that Malkin displayed. The punishment fits.

Except in the NHL, which includes out clauses with its rules. This suspension can be reviewed by Colin Campbell, the NHL’s executive vice president and director of hockey operations, who certainly doesn’t have anything riding on Malkin, the potential MVP, no, sir, and wouldn’t at all let his decision be compromised by the quality of the player involved, no way, no how, because he is a fair and impartial jury of one, yes, indeed.

And Campbell did review the incident. With the precision of an electron microscope, assuredly. The rule allows him to rescind the suspension based on “the score, previous incidents, etc.†Campbell determined that “none of the criteria in this rule applied to this situation,†and he went on to explain how.

“Suspensions,†Campbell began in his prepared release, “are applied under this rule when a team attempts to send a message in the last five minutes by having a player instigate a fight.†And that, Campbell said, was not the case Sunday.

Oh, what delicious wording. The Penguins may not have wanted to send a message to the Red Wings, who manhandled them with two season-long minor leaguers and a third-line center tallying their goals. Malkin did. His frustration boiled. The entire point of the fight was to send a message – that the Penguins were still around, and that they still had some fight in them, and that he was going to show it by beefing with a guy 4 inches shorter.

In his first three years, Malkin has not once gotten a five-minute penalty for fighting. This was Zetterberg’s first fight in his six NHL seasons. These are two of the best players in the league, and even if it wasn’t a sucker punch like Scott Walker’s(notes) fist introducing itself to Aaron Ward’s(notes) face in the Carolina-Boston series – which, by the way, was overturned by Chief Justice Campbell, ever wise he – the rule is in plain language.

Now, certainly the rule itself is questionable. That’s not the point. The worst kinds of rules aren’t the ones that make little sense. They are the ones levied willy-nilly, or even worse, enforced with favoritism.

The NHL believes it cannot afford to lose Malkin, even for a game. Pittsburgh staying competitive is good for the league, which wants a long series and surely wouldn’t mind watching Sidney Crosby(notes) skate around the ice with the Cup hoisted above his head. Those versed in NHL justice consider this such a non-issue that they simply scoff at it, so familiar are they with those in charge of the league treating their own bylaws like some burden.

It’s not cynicism if it’s true. Thirty minutes before Campbell’s ruling, Detroit coach Mike Babcock was asked about the potential of Malkin missing Game 3, and he said: “I don’t think anything will happen.â€

So that is how it works in the NHL.

Face a penalty.

Get bailed out.

Everyone goes on with their merry day.

The players know the rule because of its severity, and still, Malkin had no problem instigating. The scrum started around Detroit’s net after Pittsburgh center Max Talbot(notes) poked goalie Chris Osgood(notes), who had made a save. The Red Wings did not take kindly to it and surrounded Talbot. Malkin swerved behind the goal, laid into Zetterberg with a left elbow and kept goading him until the gloves came off and punches went in both directions.

And he did this knowing that the league would never, ever suspend him. Players realize the NHL is weak in mind and spirit. It could, ironically, learn something about toughness from them. So they’re going to continue to flout the rule until Campbell or commissioner Gary Bettman or someone else steps in and abolishes it or enforces it.

The league must make up its mind. If it agrees with the principle of the rule, live with its consequences. Otherwise, get rid of it and mete out punishment in its usual manner: devoid of logic and consistency.

Next thing you know, the players will look at the book and wonder what other rules they can break. In fact, that happened Sunday. At the end of Campbell’s statement, the NHL made sure to include this chestnut:

“NHL Hockey Operations also determined that Malkin should have been assessed a game misconduct for not having his jersey tied down.â€

Well, that’s grand. An unnecessary elbow. A few good punches. And the NHL is worried about Evgeni Malkin’s clothing.

Like you’d expect anything different.

Brings up some good points, to be honest.

[zata20 4]

I wish there would be more articles like this so Bettman and Campbell would continue to be exposed of their ineptitude. These idiots need to be fired ASAP!!!!!!!!!

[StevieY9802 6]

This article was dead on. And I like how he said it doesn't matter if the rule is stupid or not, a rule is a rule. There is no way a superstar gets suspended for a Finals game especially when his team is down 0-2. They want this series to go longer and they don't want to hear the NHL cost the Pens the series cause without Malkin they went down 3-0.

[stevkrause 1,247]

I'm going to be a broken record here - I basically posted this in another thread too...

I love the Wings and hockey with every drop of my blood, but the NHL has become a joke - Betman is SO overdue of a pink slip, it sickens me... also, Campbell has done an ok job, so I don't have a problem with him per se, but as a former player, he's too forgiving of bs on-ice incidents and I think the disciplinary actions need to be delegated to someone else... maybe like "director of player conduct" or something of the sort

here, let me fix your league in 3 personnel changes

Commissioner - Betman out, Dryden in

Director of operations - Campbell stays in, but steps down as "disciplinary czar"

appoint Ray Scapinello "Director of Player Conduct"

done.

[stevkrause 1,247]

I wish there would be more articles like this so Bettman and Campbell would continue to be exposed of their ineptitude. These idiots need to be fired ASAP!!!!!!!!!

I actually think Campbell has been OK, in every other aspect of his duties, but he needs to be relieved of disciplinary decisions... he's a joke in that aspect

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I don't think any hockey fan believes there isn't favoritism in favor of the league's best players. The problem is, the league has repeatedly showed they're going to look away rather than force a "face" of the game to miss any action.

Penguins with Malkin gives them a better chance of extending the series and in the leagues' mind promoting the sport on a national and worldwide level. As long as the league doesn't want to follow the rules *they've* set this stuff is going to continue to happen, and sadly further make the NHL look pathetic.

[Guest Crymson]

I actually think Campbell has been OK, in every other aspect of his duties, but he needs to be relieved of disciplinary decisions... he's a joke in that aspect

Yeah, two separate one-game suspensions for headhunting to Pronger in the '07 playoffs. First he nearly seriously injures Holmstrom with a flagrant hit to the head; then he does it AGAIN to McAmmond and only gets ANOTHER one-game suspension. If it were a non-star player who did that, they'd have gotten suspended for the rest of the playoffs on the second one. Apparently it's fine if it's Pronger who does it twice in the space of five games, though.

I agree with the writer. What a joke.

[b.shanafan14 733]

Great article, my point exactly in the previous threads.

If you have a rule, enforce it, without discrimination or favoritism. Instigator rule is a joke in every situation EXCEPT message sending at the end of the game, which whether Campbell admits it or not, was undeniably the case.

If you are going to rescind any part of the AUTOMATIC, CUT, and DRY rule that it was, rescind the $10,000 fine to the coach. There is no question Malkin was attempting to send a message in a losing effort, and it definitely shouldn't have helped that he started with a sucker punch, then moved into swinging his stick at Zetterberg's head, then continuing with the gloves for a bit, all with 19 second left in the game on a player who not only has never fought before, but who is giving better than 4 inches and 20lbs.

NHL is laughable in the interpretation and enforcement of its own rules and really, would have seemed plenty more legitimate had they not waffled for the umpteenth time this post-season.

Also, I know its regular season, but nothing stopped the league from suspending two of the classiest and best players in the league each one game for simply missing Bettman's tea party (the All-Star game) to rest injuries on a much less cut and dry, much newer rule.

Edited June 1, 2009 by b.shanafan14

[jvxp 0]

I wish there would be more articles like this so Bettman and Campbell would continue to be exposed of their ineptitude. These idiots need to be fired ASAP!!!!!!!!!

I agree!!! Someone should send this article off to other newspapers.

[Konnan511 1,736]

I'm going to be a broken record here - I basically posted this in another thread too...

I love the Wings and hockey with every drop of my blood, but the NHL has become a joke - Betman is SO overdue of a pink slip, it sickens me... also, Campbell has done an ok job, so I don't have a problem with him per se, but as a former player, he's too forgiving of bs on-ice incidents and I think the disciplinary actions need to be delegated to someone else... maybe like "director of player conduct" or something of the sort

done.

Take a management or finance class and you'll see how wrong you are. One word - Profits.

I agree with letting someone else handle disciplinary actions, Campbell sucks at it.

Edited June 1, 2009 by Konnan511

[stevkrause 1,247]

Yeah, two separate one-game suspensions for headhunting to Pronger in the '07 playoffs. First he nearly seriously injures Holmstrom with a flagrant hit to the head; then he does it AGAIN to McAmmond and only gets ANOTHER one-game suspension. If it were a non-star player who did that, they'd have gotten suspended for the rest of the playoffs on the second one. Apparently it's fine if it's Pronger who does it twice in the space of five games, though.

I agree with the writer. What a joke.

are you arguing with me, or agreeing... I'm confused, haha

I said he's a joke at disciplinary actions, through and through... but there are many other aspects to his job that I haven't had a problem with - THIS responsibility however, he needs to be relieved of.

[zata20 4]

I actually think Campbell has been OK, in every other aspect of his duties, but he needs to be relieved of disciplinary decisions... he's a joke in that aspect

That's what I meant.

[stevkrause 1,247]

Take a management or finance class and you'll see how wrong you are. One word - Profits.

I agree with letting someone else handle disciplinary actions, Campbell sucks at it.

I've taken several... and you're just further proving my point........

NHL profits have PLUMMETED from the early 90's (in relation to value of the dollar, inflation, etc) and are just NOW starting to rebound, also... it's pretty simple math

If one guy gives you a $10 profit and another guy gives you a $100 profit.... who do you choose?

I GUARANTEE that if this league put someone in place who could make it credible, profits would sky rocket...

[Konnan511 1,736]

Great article, my point exactly in the previous threads.

If you have a rule, enforce it, without discrimination or favoritism. Instigator rule is a joke in every situation EXCEPT message sending at the end of the game, which whether Campbell admits it or not, was undeniably the case.

If you are going to rescind any part of the AUTOMATIC, CUT, and DRY rule that it was, rescind the $10,000 fine to the coach. There is no question Malkin was attempting to send a message in a losing effort, and it definitely shouldn't have helped that he started with a sucker punch, then moved into swinging his stick at Zetterberg's head, then continuing with the gloves for a bit, all with 19 second left in the game on a player who not only has never fought before, but who is giving better than 4 inches and 20lbs.

NHL is laughable in the interpretation and enforcement of its own rules and really, would have seemed plenty more legitimate had they not waffled for the umpteenth time this post-season.

Also, I know its regular season, but nothing stopped the league from suspending two of the classiest and best players in the league each one game for simply missing Bettman's tea party (the All-Star game) to rest injuries on a much less cut and dry, much newer rule.

I agree with everything you said, i honestly do, but I have to point out that another cut and dry rule is also in effect and that Zetterberg and Malking should both have received game misconducts for not having their jerseys tied down and thus be suspended for the next game.

Rule 47.13 Jerseys -...blah blah blah...A player or goalkeeper who engages in a fight and whose jersey is not properly “tied-down†(jersey properly fastened to pants), and who loses his jersey (completely off his torso) in that altercation, shall receive a game misconduct penalty. ...blah blah blah...

Edited June 1, 2009 by Konnan511

[servo 15]

here, let me fix your league in 3 personnel changes

Commissioner - Betman out, Dryden in

Director of operations - Campbell stays in, but steps down as "disciplinary czar"

appoint Ray Scapinello "Director of Player Conduct"

done.

oooohhhh I like this ALOT!!!!

I don't really have that much of a problem of the ruling as it was pure frustration as is, but don't create rules you don't intend to enforce. The hit on Ward was B.S. and warrented a suspension.

[stevkrause 1,247]

oooohhhh I like this ALOT!!!!

I don't really have that much of a problem of the ruling as it was pure frustration as is, but don't create rules you don't intend to enforce. The hit on Ward was B.S. and warrented a suspension.

exactly. That one is the one that really infuriated me.... Walker should have been out for at LEAST 5 games...

[stevkrause 1,247]

I agree with everything you said, i honestly do, but I have to point out that another cut and dry rule is also in effect and that Zetterberg and Malking should both have received game misconducts for not having their jerseys tied down and thus be suspended for the next game.

Rule 47.13 Jerseys -...blah blah blah...A player or goalkeeper who engages in a fight and whose jersey is not properly “tied-down†(jersey properly fastened to pants), and who loses his jersey (completely off his torso) in that altercation, shall receive a game misconduct penalty. ...blah blah blah...

I wouldn't have a problem with that in that case either.

Put a rule in place and enforce it - or do NOT MAKE IT A RULE.

This bush league needs to take a page out of the NFL's blueprint to success.

[Konnan511 1,736]

I've taken several... and you're just further proving my point........

NHL profits have PLUMMETED from the early 90's (in relation to value of the dollar, inflation, etc) and are just NOW starting to rebound, also... it's pretty simple math

If one guy gives you a $10 profit and another guy gives you a $100 profit.... who do you choose?

I GUARANTEE that if this league put someone in place who could make it credible, profits would sky rocket...

If one guy gives you 10 then tells you that every year after that number will increase by 10% or offers you a flat rate of 100 bucks a year, what would you pick?

Of course the NHL's revenue and profits are on the rebound, we just had a lockout because the owners and players couldn't come to an agreement, search for articles, you'll see Bettman stating that they need to figure stuff out ASAP.

I'd say he's doing a damn fine job during these hard times with this massive recession.

In short, the state of the game is in great shape, due to Bettman. If you want someone to blame, blame ESPN for not offering a TV contract after the lockout.

[DatsMyWings13 4]

Great article highlighting one of the biggest flaws in the NHL today. The rules need to be enforced!

[Konnan511 1,736]

I wouldn't have a problem with that in that case either.

Put a rule in place and enforce it - or do NOT MAKE IT A RULE.

This bush league needs to take a page out of the NFL's blueprint to success.

Agreed. Either enforce it, or remove it. It's not that hard of a concept haha.

[stevkrause 1,247]

If one guy gives you 10 then tells you that every year after that number will increase by 10% or offers you a flat rate of 100 bucks a year, what would you pick?

Of course the NHL's revenue and profits are on the rebound, we just had a lockout because the owners and players couldn't come to an agreement, search for articles, you'll see Bettman stating that they need to figure stuff out ASAP.

I'd say he's doing a damn fine job during these hard times with this massive recession.

In short, the state of the game is in great shape, due to Bettman. If you want someone to blame, blame ESPN for not offering a TV contract after the lockout.

you're comparing apples to oranges. How about the guy gives you 10, offers a 5% increase, or a guy gives you 100 and offers a 5%, because that's more realistic. Why would profits be flat under someone else, it makes no sense?

Also, 10 at 10% increase annually would take you over 30 years to equal the 100 flat, but I digress, because it's really not a fair comparison...

Also, the TV contract is just icing on the cake... how about forcing teams in markets like Phoenix and Atlanta (keep in mind one already failed in ATL before) which are HEMORRHAGING money, splitting the east and west in uneven conferences which favor one side of the league travel wise, the BS 8 games against ONE team (which is now 6 and STILL doesn't allow a 1 and 1 against east teams) schedule, the absolute JOKE he has made the ASG.... I could go on and on....

You're reasoning is flawed.

Edited June 1, 2009 by stevkrause

[maltbymaniac 13]

the nhl is simply a JOKE. its just to bad my favorite team plays for them.

it will just make it better to beat these ******* with that ****** bag malkin and cry baby crosby all in the lineup.

[b.shanafan14 733]

I agree with everything you said, i honestly do, but I have to point out that another cut and dry rule is also in effect and that Zetterberg and Malking should both have received game misconducts for not having their jerseys tied down and thus be suspended for the next game.

Rule 47.13 Jerseys -...blah blah blah...A player or goalkeeper who engages in a fight and whose jersey is not properly �€œtied-down�€� (jersey properly fastened to pants), and who loses his jersey (completely off his torso) in that altercation, shall receive a game misconduct penalty. ...blah blah blah...

I agree, but game misconduct is ejection from the current game, nothing in the rule that says one game suspension, and definitely not automatic. Instigator in the final five minutes does include the automatic one game suspension wording.

Either way, we are all in agreement, if you have a rule, enforce it, or don't have the rule.

47.13 Jerseys - A player or goalkeeper who deliberately removes his jerseyprior to participating in an altercation or who is clearly wearing a jersey that has been modified and does not conform to Rule 9 – Uniforms, shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and a game misconduct. This is in addition to other penalties to be assessed to the participants of an altercation. If the altercation never materializes, the player or goalkeeper would receive a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and a ten-minute misconduct for deliberately removing his jersey.

A player or goalkeeper who engages in a fight and whose jersey is removed (completely off his torso), other than through the actions of his opponent in the altercation or through the actions of the Linesman, shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

A player or goalkeeper who engages in a fightand whose jersey is not properly “tied-down†(jersey properly fastened to pants), and who loses his jersey (completely off his torso) in that altercation, shall receive a game misconduct penalty. If the player or goalkeeper loses his jersey despite the tie down remaining in tact and attached to the pants, the game misconduct is not applicable, however this must be reported to the League office so that the jersey and the tie down can be examined.

A player or goalkeeper who is involved in an altercation, when the opponent has been identified as an instigator, shall not be assessed a game misconduct penalty if his jersey should be removed by an opponent or an official in the discharge of his duties, regardless as to whether or not he was properly “tied-down†(jersey properly fastened to pants).

[b.shanafan14 733]

Here is the official rule for instigator within the final 5 minutes of a game, which was assessed to Malkin rightfully so last night, and just and quickly, waffled on by the NHL:

47.22 Fines and Suspensions – Instigator in Final Five Minutes of Regulation Time (or Anytime in Overtime) - A player or goalkeeper who is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation in the final five (5) minutes of regulation time or at anytime in overtime, shall automatically be suspended for one game. The Director of Hockey Operations will review every such incident and may rescind the suspension based on a number of criteria. The criteria for the review shall include, but not limited to, the score, previous incidents, etc. The length of suspension will double for each subsequent offense. This suspension shall be served in addition to any other automatic suspensions a player may incur for an accumulation of three or more instigator penalties.

When the one-game suspension is imposed, the Coach shall be fined $10,000 – a fine that will double for each subsequent incident.

No team appeals will be permitted either verbally or in writing regarding the assessment of this automatic suspension.

Edited June 1, 2009 by b.shanafan14

[weGotTheCup89 41]

Sorry to cross this line.... but:

A "living document" gives a dead U.S. Constitution.

and

A "living document" gives us an NHL rulebook that is bent and enforced on a whim.

I see little difference; the laws and rules were made for a reason, you gotta enforce them like they were originally meant to be.