When Jagr brings up a lack of respect among
NHL players to discuss the Ruutu hit, it
seemed to have a Shakespearing ring to it.
But no matter what your opinion on Jarkko Ruutu's
Olympic hit on Jaromir Jagr, you're right.
It was a dirty hit because Jagr was battling
an opponent and Ruutu blindsided him near the
boards.
It was a clean hit because Jagr turned away from
Ruutu, which caused the head-first collision
into the boards.
Arguing either point is debating whether Charlize
Theron or Jessica Simpson is better looking;
it's all about personal preference.
Two Party Lines
The first party line is, like the pre-season
commercials, the NHL is a league of warriors.
There is no out-of-bounds, the Gordie Howe hat
trick is admirable, and all hockey players
must be tough enough to put on the jersey.
The second party line is the NHL needs its star
players in this new era, and skill must reign.
If you permit runs to be taken at the players
fans come to see, where will the fans go?
Other Leagues
There is a precedent from other major sports
leagues that props up the second party line.
The NFL instituted a rule that almost amounts to
a "don't touch the quarterback."
The NBA instituted a "no hand check" rule to
permit skill players to take flight.
NHL Rosters
The "disrespect" argument has been around for
awhile, but it's simplistic.
Players, often from other countries, try to earn as
much money as they can and then return home.
The CBA structure limits a few stars per team,
and NHL coaching tends to fill most of the roster
with grinding, defensive players.
That pays relatively well - close to a million
dollars per year if you stand out. So it's
hard to claim players simly are disrespectful.
Faced with that scenario, it is inevitable that
players adapt accordingly, and the list of players
stretches much farther than simply Jarkko Ruutu.
NHL In Precarious Spot
If anything, the Ruutu incident points out that
the NHL is closer to the Bertuzzi incident than
it cares to admit.
What if it happened in an NHL game, and it was
Kaspar and not Straka to retaliate?
It is distinctly possible that Kaspar might have
driven Ruutu's head to the ice, and imagine the
moral discussions that would be prompted then.
NHL Needs to Make a Decision
Admit it, you have no idea how the playoffs will
evolve. Will it be a physical, star-bashing affair?
Or will it be a stage for the NHL to increase
the amount of whistles per game?
This is part of the issue.
The NHL needs to decide whether protection is the
job of the league or individual teams and players.
Either direction has merit and appeal.
If teams are responsible, let it be clear so that
Colton Orr can take a permanent spot in the lineup.
Let rosters be constructed for the second half of
the season, when opponents take runs at star players.
Or if the league is responsbile, set up a system
where the refs are empowered to make clear decisions.
Create a set of rules that places instigators in a
mental headlock trying to determine what is legal.
Either direction works. The current confusing
landscape does not.
eMail this entry!
|
Recent Articles
|
|
|