Colin Campbell's vindictive actions against the
Rangers are so consistent and outrageous that they
are bordering on comical.
The suspensions that he hands out are, in essence,
a court of law. Every decision that he makes sets
a precedent for future actions of all NHL teams.
But since his arrival into office, Campbell has
handed out punishments to the Rangers using new
rationale that is never followed again.
I've ranted about this petty man in this column
since 2002. You can read them in the archives if
you'd like, but here is some history ...
Example: Hits to the Head
Early in 2002, Purinton high sticked Steven Peat to start
a fight, and Igor Ulanov high sticked Konawalchuk.
In both instances, the opposing player was not injured.
Colin Campbell suspended each Ranger player for
seven games.
In his verdict, Campbell wrote, "prior to the start
of the season, all clubs were advised that that there
would be a stricter enforcement regarding illegal
hits to the head."
So using the Ranger suspensions, Campbell's legal
precedent would be two-fold:
- Hits to the head, whether they cause injury or not,
could result in significant suspensions
- Hits to the head that do cause injuries would be
met with suspensions of greater than 7 games
Did this precedent stick for others? Of course not.
- Billy Guerin had received 3 games for a slash that
broke Patrik Stefan's jaw.
- Elbows to the head by Rob Ray and Marchment that
caused concussions? 5 games.
- Varada butt-ended Lindros' eye? Zero games.
Example: Coach Intentions
At the end of a game against the Blue Jackets, Ranger
coach Bryan Trottier (sigh) put Kristof Oliwa,
Sandy McCarthy and Dale Purinton on the ice in a move
that resulted in a brawl, but no injuries.
Colin Campbell suspended Trottier for two games.
In his decision, Campbell wrote that because the coach
used those players at the end of a game that was already
decided, he was responsible for the violence.
So using the Ranger suspensions, Campbell's precedent
would be defined as follows:
- A coach's intent can be used for suspensions
- More serious injuries would meet greater suspensions
Did this precedent stick? Of course not.
- Caps-Thrashers this year. Multiple fights at end of
game. Coaches fined, not suspended
- Others? There are plenty.
Present Day: Colton Orr suspension
Colton Orr high sticks Ovechkin where no injury occurs.
Colin Campbell suspends him for five games.
In his decision, Campbell writes "[Orr's] actions with
his stick were reckless and dangerous. Although no
injury resulted, the action is unacceptable."
So the precedent is that reckless actions can result
in suspensions. So naturally, this means that the
frequent elbows to Jagr's head by goons will be met
with similar punishment.
We all know the answer, so should we laugh or rant?
I can tell you that opposing teams are laughing.
Derian Hatcher, Brendan Witt and Donald Brashear are
sharpening their elbows for future runs at Jaromir Jagr,
chuckling at their good fortune.
It is only a matter of time before Cam Janssens takes
out Jagr with a 50 foot charging elbow.
I'd write that Colin Campbell should be ashamed at his
blatant incompetence and bias. But history has already
proven that the man has no integrity, so what's the point?
Happy hunting NHL. First one to knock off a Ranger player
gets a fruit basket from the league office.
eMail this entry!
|
Recent Articles
|
|
|