NHL All-Star Game 2009

[CTLightning26]

Originally Posted by Avery86

The CBC feed just had Gary Bettman on, and they were asking him about the decision to suspend Datsyuk and Lidstrom for missing the event.

Got pretty heated.

Like to see that. i hate the wings, but i cant agree with suspensions. Bettman is an ass clown

[Coldrice]

Here you go... scroll to the 129:00 mark and just let it go from there (Or skip the standby phase to get to the next phase)... He's a 60's rock kinda guy...State of the League Address, Finances, fighting, change of ownership-expansion-retraction hint (?), and the suspenions

Gluteus Maximus or Despio Gluteus Rex

[Coldrice]

Scratch that, the link above is the interview with Buttman

[Sotnos]

Originally Posted by TexasBolt

Boy, that was pretty half-assed by Vinny. Not that I mind. Let's get him the hell out of that place right now.

Amen. He's probably glad that circus is over with.

(Oops, the Bolts host the Canadiens next.)

I saw a little bit of the post-game on NHL Network, they interviewed Price & he said Vinny told him "see you in a couple of days" and it made him break out in a cold sweat.

As for the Wings players, they're not getting suspended which implies no pay, they just implemented a rule that if you're hurt enough to not show up, you should be hurt enough to miss a game. If that's not necessary, then you're obviously not too hurt to show up & sign autographs, etc. The League doesn't want guys bowing out just because they want a couple days off, which to me is understandable. I think their timing could've been better, this decision shouldn't have been made on the fly, should've been made a few weeks ago. I generally think Crosby is a weenie, but good for him for making the trip so he wouldn't disappoint the fans who wanted to see him.

[TexasBolt]

In a related story, the Bolts' next game in Montreal isn't until March 26, which is safely after the trade deadline.

[Avery86]

From what I heard, the sitting out a game thing happened to Luongo last year. He was already in SoFla with family when the Canucks were in town to play the Panthers the game after the All Star game, and he just left with the team for the next game. There just wasn't a big stink about it.

[CTLightning26]

Yeah, Im not for rules that are implemented that read the minds of players. What if Datsyuk or Lidstrom were having back spasms? You expect them to get into a plane and fly to Montreal? Where as, if they stayed home, got treatments maybe they could be ready to play after five days.
I think, if anything, it has to be case by case.

[CTLightning26]

And, on Bettman's interview??
I found it funny how he said "relocation is the last resort" that they should try absolutely everything before it got to that...It's real nice Buttman that you used that mantra in Hartford, when you and our old jailbird Governor let Karmanos out of his deal one year early.
Ass clown.

[Coldrice]

CT, you're exactly who I thought of when I heard that line of crap. "It's not fair to fans financially and emotionally"... Hence the hint (?) entry. Last resort my ass.

That's why one of my favorite franchises was ripped up by the roots and dumped in the land of NASCAR and "Richards... Richards... YOU SUCK!". In fairness on 2 things... one, Carolina did win a cup but it'll never be the Whale and two... at least Bettman aired his thoughts about how Balsillie is not an attractive buyer... yet.

[Sotnos]

Erm, he really didn't say anything about expansion, retraction (never happen) or Balsillie other than his dealings with him have been cordial & there's nothing else to report on that front. I'm feeling like I missed something there.