Game Thread: Bruins Hosting Penguins, 8:00 PM,December 7,2013

[Gooch1034]

The league could ban fighting today and we all know it. they could also increase suspensions and fines for dirty hits. The question is why don't they?

The NHL needs all the fans they can get and fighting is a draw.

 

[Darkstone42]

The only difference there is that it wasn't Shawn Thornton dropping the gloves, I feel the only way that solves something is if you drop the gloves with the guy who pulled off the actions - and if you're the Bruins, why would you want Milan Lucic dropping the gloves with a fourth liner anyways? That would hurt the Bruins

Well, if Orpik wasn't going to drop them, and Engelland did, that's where it ends. And why would Orpik drop them? He would hurt the Pens by doing so. They're thin on the blueline right now.

 

[Cobiemonster]

The league could ban fighting today and we all know it. they could also increase suspensions and fines for dirty hits. The question is why don't they?

Because you wouldn't ban or make a swift change just based on one incident? It would have to be something you plan on over time - whether they're really planning on making those changes, we can't really say

 

[IPostedWhat]

The NHL needs all the fans they can get and fighting is a draw.

But I thought the NHL was losing fans by the bus load because of fighting?

 

[Cobiemonster]

Well, if Orpik wasn't going to drop them, and Engelland did, that's where it ends. And why would Orpik drop them? He would hurt the Pens by doing so. They're thin on the blueline right now.

I agree on the part about Brooks Orpik not dropping them, except, my point is, what are you accomplishing if you're fighting someone other than Shawn Thornton? Is the message really going to come across if you're fighting anyone other than him?

 

[Darkstone42]

I should have said in my last post that I watched the 1st period and listening to the 2nd on the Pens app and Mike Lange makes it sound more exciting than it may be. Didn't mean to come off wrong by saying "I guess".

Oh, it's exciting, that's for sure. Any close game is. But I usually come away feeling more satisfied after watching a clean, smart, well-played game.

 

[Darkstone42]

I agree on the part about Brooks Orpik not dropping them, except, my point is, what are you accomplishing if you're fighting someone other than Shawn Thornton? Is the message really going to come across if you're fighting anyone other than him?

Thornton wasn't part of the initial altercation, though. So why is fighting Thornton relevant?

 

[element1286]

I guess the Pens still have the Brandon Sutter from the circles high blocker on Rask to fall back on.

Bruins D is doing work on the rebounds.

 

[Darkstone42]

I guess the Pens still have the Brandon Sutter from the circles high blocker on Rask to fall back on.

Bruins D is doing work on the rebounds.

Speaking of Sutter, I think he's having a very strong game today, too.

 

[Gooch1034]

Oh, it's exciting, that's for sure. Any close game is. But I usually come away feeling more satisfied after watching a clean, smart, well-played game.

Oh how I wish that would happen against the Bruins!

 

[Brahmsian]

ENOUGH being behind, Bruins!

Let's make Pens fans use the "bawling" emoticon!

GO BOSTON!

 

[Darkstone42]

Oh how I wish that would happen against the Bruins!

Heh. Too many guys who like to hit, and too tight a defensive system for that to happen.

ENOUGH being behind, Bruins!

Let's make Pens fans use the "bawling" emoticon!

GO BOSTON!

Please. I don't advocate fighting.

 

[Cobiemonster]

Thornton wasn't part of the initial altercation, though. So why is fighting Thornton relevant?

Because Thornton was obviously upset at Orpik when he attacked him - notice when James Neal kneed Marchand, Thornton didn't go after Neal, he went by him and Dupuis and went straight to Orpik? Thornton was trying to fight Orpik from the beginning

 

[element1286]

Speaking of Sutter, I think he's having a very strong game today, too.

Yea, he's been solid for a few weeks IMO. He's a hard guy to evaluate cause he plays the angles on both ends and isn't overtly physical.

 

[beantownmaniac]

Yes I will be anxiously awaiting the Bruins teammates and owner come out and condemn Thornton.

Seems you missed the point. Mario cried like a jilted schoolgirl when Sid got concussed yet had no problem with dirty hits before then.

 

[pixburgher66]

I agree, no question, it shouldn't come to that point, but as long as the NHL doesn't change the rules, that's what players are going to have to do

That I agree with...but that's one of the biggest points in my argument against fighting. The league essentially condones this stuff, and they're the only ones who can make a change...the players sure aren't.

 

[beantownmaniac]

The NHL needs all the fans they can get and fighting is a draw.

Exactly

But I thought the NHL was losing fans by the bus load because of fighting?

I don't know about that. I don't hear any booing during a fight.

 

[beantownmaniac]

That I agree with...but that's one of the biggest points in my argument against fighting. The league essentially condones this stuff, and they're the only ones who can make a change...the players sure aren't.

Well the players union is part of the problem also. Can't have the league taking jobs away from goons, right?

 

[TheBurgh88]

Actually I don't recall Mario complaining at all about the hits on Crosby when he got his concussion since both hits were legal. The only time I recall Lemieux speaking out was when the Islanders gooned it up. Do you even watch hockey?

 

[higgyfan4]

@penguins
ORPIK UPDATE: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where he is alert and conscious.