Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at
cmonref@tsn.ca. Hi Kerry, In the Tuesday night game between the Leafs and Avs, why did the linesman break up a fight that was starting between Dion Phaneuf and Jarome Iginla? It wasnt a predetermined scuffle, there was a decent reason for the argument and both of them dropped the gloves. Clearly they both wanted to dance. Whats the deal? Roch Boulanger, Timmins, Ontario Roch: Given the climate within the game that has evolved over the past number of seasons there is heightened awareness and sensitivity to player safety issues. Ongoing studies conducted by both NHL and independent medical experts provide scientific evidence and newfound knowledge that is slowly changing attitudes and redefining acceptable practices and behavior. This is being addressed in part, with the addition of new rules relative to protective equipment. Last season visors became mandatory for any player with fewer than 25 games of NHL experience (rule 9.7). In addition, no player is allowed to remove his helmet prior to engaging in a fight. If he does so, a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct will be assessed under rule 46.6. You witnessed a continuation of the player safety theme on Tuesday night when Linesmen Scott Driscoll and Greg Devorski demonstrated their good judgment and quick response to intervene in an altercation before it escalated to full-blown fisticuffs. The League has encouraged linesmen to prevent a fight from occurring if the situation allows them to do so safely. The presence of space and time between players as they measure one another prior to throwing punches often allows the linesmen a small window of opportunity to safely intervene. This opportunity was presented at 6:26 of the second period after Jamie McGinn took exception to an elevated but acceptable open-ice shoulder check delivered by Dion Phaneuf on his former Calgary Flame teammate Jarome Iginla. McGinn forced play to be stopped when he was assessed a roughing minor for a glove punch at Phaneuf. Iggy then decided he would take care of his own business with Phaneuf only to have the linesmen prevent a fight much to the displeasure of many fans in attendance. I dont share your opinion that an acceptable body check is a decent reason for the argument but in any event the Leafs ended up with a two minute power play in the aftermath. What is important to note is that no further confrontation resulting in penalties between the three potential combatants took place in the game. The Officials handled this altercation perfectly. Another policy you should be aware of is that once a fight is underway the linesmen are also asked to move in more quickly in the event that a player(s) has lost their helmet. The linesmen team would verbally and visually communicate with one another to time their intervention, taking into account their personal safety in addition to that of the players. So Roch, whenever safely possible we can expect to see the linesmen separate dance partners before the music starts and players begin throwing punches. Think safety first. PS: Roch, my father (Hilt) was born and raised in Timmins, Ontario and played with former Leafs Bill Barilko and Allan Stanley growing up. Thank you for the question. . It has been eleven years, eight months, and 261 days since I played my last CFL game. . With the Canadiens leading by one to start the third period, Price turned away 16 shots by the Panthers in the final frame to give Montreal a 2-1 victory over Florida on Monday night. The Panthers (16-21-6) outshot Montreal 16-10 in the final frame, but were repeatedly frustrated by Price, who made 26 saves on the night.
http://www.dodgersteamproshop.com/. - Tom Brady and the Patriots routed the Bengals and quieted the doubters. . -- Each time the Utah Jazz threatened Memphis lead, the Grizzlies responded with defensive stops. .I dont think it comes to mind in this business, in this game, the Philadelphia Flyers forward said. You dont try to lose games. MEXICO CITY -- Alex Rodriguez says his season-long suspension could be a benefit, allowing him to rest and return to the Yankees for the final three years of his contract. Speaking late Wednesday in Mexicos capital during a promotional appearance, Rodriguez declined to talk specifically about his suspension for violating baseballs drug agreement and labour contract. Rodriguez, in his first public comments since arbitrator Fredric Horowitzs decision Saturday, said he wanted to end his career with New York. Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has declined to talk about his possible return but has called him a "great player." "The 2014 season could be a big help for me," Rodriguez said. "It might serve as a break and close the chapter, and begin in 2015 with my last three years under contract with the Yankees." Rodriguez, who will be 39 when the 2015 season opens, repeated several times that this part of his life had not been completed. "I want to retire in New York, and I think the rest will do me good," he added. "For me, the book isnt finished. There are still chapters to finish. ... Right now I havent thought about retiring." Rodriguez, fifth on the career list with 654 homers sued the Major League Baseball and the players union on Monday in an effort to overturn the decision by Horowwitz, who reduced what originally was a 211-game suspension issued by Selig in August.dddddddddddd "This process has been taxing both mentally and physically throughout the past eight months," Ron Berkowitz, a spokesman for Rodriguez, said in a statement Thursday. "Alex will abide by the rulings of the federal judge -- whatever he decides -- and get ready for 2015 should the judge rule against him. He will continue to move forward with his complaint which will help all players against this unfair system." Also speaking Wednesday night, Yankees captain Derek Jeter said he is saddened by the situation. "The whole situation is bad," Jeter said at his Turn 2 Foundation golf classic in Tampa, Fla. "The whole thing has been kind of messy." Jeter has been in communication with Rodriguez, but declined to say what was discussed. "Im sure its a rough situation," Jeter said. Hall of Famer Goose Gossage attended Jeters event and called the Rodriguez matter unfortunate for the game and everyone involved. "I wish A-Rod would just leave it alone and go on," Gossage said. "Then see about coming back. Who knows what the future holds for A-Rod and the Yankees? I think A-Rod, probably, got what he deserved. I hate to see it happen to him, but I think the punishment fits the crime." ' ' '
