AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 09
Friday, March 9, 2007
Simon’s hit: You be the judge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In league news, Islanders forward Chris Simon has been suspended indefinitely for slashing Ryan Hollweg in the face last night. Once again, the NHL will be getting a ton of bad publicity on this one, this hit is brutal.
If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the clip on YouTube: Simon slashes Hollweg
Go watch it and tell me what you think. How long should he be suspended ? Are we talking Todd Bertuzzi suspension here? Is this something that can end up like McSorley’s hit on Donald Brashear? You could argue that this is assault, couldn’t you?
I think at the very least, we should be talking 20 games, and I’m being kind.
Practice update: Kari Lehtonen and Marian Hossa both exercised their option to skip (and Bob Hartley, if we’re including anyone. He’s suffering from racquetball hip, a lower body injury). Hoss (hand, knee), I’ve been assured numerous times by everyone, is fine. Hartley said Hossa will play against Florida. Lehtonen will also get the start against the Panthers - obviously there’s not a lot of motivation right now to make lineup changes.
Had a really honest interview with Andy Sutton for a story running Monday. He admits to struggling with the recent trades and his move from the top pairing (and his decreased ice time). He was sulking, but has turned the corner, and is determined to finish this season with a positive attitude, no matter what his role with the team is. He’s a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve, and you could tell he was having a good time at practice today, lots of laughing and messing around, something we haven’t seen from the big defenseman in awhile. Looks like he’s working it out — and he played pretty well last night. Over 20 minutes of ice time, with two hits and two blocked shots. He also got lots of time on the PK, something that wasn’t happening before.
