Is the NHL fixing games & Playing favorites?

Saturday January 7 2012 The Boston Bruins faced their Stanley Cup rival the Vancouver Canucks.  All of Boston was a buzz thinking that the high scoring Bruins would kill their west coast rival without a doubt.  A referee decided that would not be the case.  The Boston Bruins fell to the Canucks 3-4.

The Saturday matinee between the Bruins and Canucks was to say the least interesting and intense rematch.  62 combined penalty minutes in the first period alone between the two teams.  A game misconduct and ejection from the game for Milan Lucic in the first period and the same for Brad Marchand later in the game, left the Bruins wonder what had happened to their high goal games that during the week.  A scrum between all of the players in the first period from Lucic down in the locker room for the remainder of the game.  In the aftermath the NHL has found that they were wrong in that call.  

“Lucic was assessed a Game Misconduct 3:54 into the first period for violating National Hockey League Rule 70.1 – Leaving the Bench. However, a video review of the incident revealed that Lucic did not leave the bench to join or start an altercation but rather had entered the ice legally over the boards and was about to step back onto the bench through the door when he changed course and joined a scrum.

"The referees reacted to what they saw," Gregson said. "The only player they saw coming from the bench area from either team was Lucic. But with the benefit of replay, we can see that Lucic had previously entered the ice over the boards legally to join the play and actually was contemplating stepping back onto the bench through the door when the altercation ensued.

"It should be further noted that a review of the video confirmed that all players on both teams involved in the altercation had entered the ice legally for the purpose of joining the play. None entered the ice for the purpose of joining or starting an altercation, which is prohibited by Rule 70. (via NHL.com Terry Gregson; Director of Officiating)."

Would Lucic being in the game have saved the Bruins and keep them rolling in the goals?   It certainly wouldn’t have made things worse for the Bruins.  Obviously a bad call on the part of the referees, who were only listening to what the Canuck players, had to say.

This game was a very one sided game, in the favor of the Canucks.  Were Tortorella’s comments following the Winter Classic correct?  Stating that the game was rigged?  It may not be as farfetched as we think.  We think of all the garbage that Luongo went through during the Stanley Cup finals in Boston, lasting only nine minutes in game 7.  Even if he didn’t play, much to Boston fans disapproval, he must be feeling pretty good right about now. 

I don’t think that the game was rigged, I do think, and this does happen no matter what the team, that the refs where choosing sides.  You’ve seen the same thing in the Pittsburgh Montreal game where no call was given on Max Pacioretty’s hit on Kris Letang.  Letang now is suffering from a concussion because of that hit.  Yes discipline was administered but there were still no on ice calls.  The refs where completely in favor of Montreal in that game.  Montreal fans say the same thing when they play Boston.  They also think Boston is the favorite in the league.  If Boston is the favorite in the league then Vancouver is the most hated team by other players in the league.  I all I ever see from other players am the cowardice and two faced plays of the Vancouver players.  You do not pretend to be hurt and then laugh about it on the bench with your teammates to antagonize the other team!  Show a little respect for yourself, your team, and the game.  I know you are out there to win but show some fucking class!  I see this alot from a certain player on the Montreal team all the time.  It’s wrong and disgusting display from a human being. 

Ok, rant over; I am very happy for Cory Schneider to get to play in front of his family and friends in the city he was brought up in. 

All in all Boston was bound to lose some time and their high goals fall down was inevitable.  I just wish that it hadn’t happened against Vancouver.  I was at game 3 of the Cup Finals and have never seen a more energized team.  After a despicable start to the season Boston was beginning to impress and become more interesting. 

This rematch has been on the topic for the last week here in the New England.  Two points in the standings, and just a fun overall game.

Predictions I think these two teams will meet again the Cup Finals or if the realignment goes through on schedule, in the Cup run next season.  Both are on top of things this season, but I have a feeling that the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild might be a good Cup match up.  That is if Minnesota can keep up their winning.

On another note: Penguins lost their fourth straight game last night against New Jersey.  They proved last season that they are perfectly capable of winning games without Crosby and Malkin, so what is going on?!  Maybe that five day break was the worst thing that could have happened to them.  They have fallen to sixth place in their respected division, and only have 5 goals in the last 4 games.  Pittsburgh needs Jordan Staal to come back soon, hopefully that knee hit he took from former teammate Mike Rupp won’t keep him out too long.  They also need Kris Letang (who is now skating) to come back and help their blue line.  Malkin and Neal need to keep doing what they are doing being steam rollers and scoring goals for the team.  Find your focus Fleury, you’re a great goal and will always be my favorite <3 

“I have a lot of issues with 29 but a goalie isn’t 1 of them.”