THE NHL'S BAD BOY GETS SENTENCED TO 6 AND ANGER MANAGEMENT

The question on every NHL fan's mind, especially those of the Stars: Brett Hull, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?". The league has come down hard on everybody's favorite bad boy, Sean Avery, for comments made to the Calgary media last week that were deemed detrimental to the spirit of the game and a terrible representation of the NHL's players. Here's the video:



Avery received 6 games retroactive to last week (he's already served 2 games) and a free pass to an anger management evaluation for that little stunt. For those not in the know, Avery is referring to his ex-girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert who is currently dating Flames All-Star defenseman Dion Phaneuf. The question now for both the Stars organization and the NHL is: Does Sean Avery still deserve to play hockey in the NHL?

Personally, I would agree with an indefinite ban for Mr. Avery, because playing as a professional athlete in the NHL is a privilege and is not handed out to just anyone. He has the talent as a hockey player without the class and tact that should be inherent to anyone in his position. When the media spotlight is shining, it's not a license to run your mouth and espouse ideas that will clash with 700 other players who found out a long time ago how to act like a human being. In my opinion, 6 games is a slap on the wrist. He has proven time and time again to be a cancer to the game of hockey and a detriment to the members of the NHLPA and the league. His presence brings the kind of negative publicity that the NHL can ill afford and it's time for the league to divorce the man everyone loves to hate.

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ANALYSIS AFTER 2: STARS V. ISLES

After a lackluster 1st period the Islanders followed with yet another mediocre period. Although they managed to put some pressure on Dallas for spurts, the overall feeling of the period was definitely in Dallas' firm grasp.

Bill Guerin got the game close at least with a tally off a nice passing play from Bergenheim and Streit. But the Islanders inability to score (despite 2 posts and a review by the War Room in Toronto) on a full 2 minute 5-on-3 and the 5-on-4 that followed it showed huge flaws after a 4 day rest that should have energized the team.

Mike Ribiero is having a fantastic game with 1 goal and 4 assists to this point and is certainly the stalwart of the Dallas offense this evening. It just doesn't look like the boys in Orange and Blue are gonna pull this one out. The energy is lacking, the discipline is poor and the shots they're taking are mostly from the perimeter. This is the 2nd disappointing home showing this week and if the team doesn't pick up the pieces soon we might find them battling for the #1 draft spot by the end of November.

I'll return tonight with a post-game analysis and thoughts for the coming weekend of games. At least we can still celebrate Hockey Fights Cancer tonight with a raffle and some good recognition.

It's Dallas 5, Isles 1 after 2.

For Questions, Comments and Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.

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ANALYSIS AFTER 1: STARS V. ISLES

Well the 1st period basically resembled the entire game against the Sabres. The Stars connected for 3 goals (2 5 on 5 and 1 on the powerplay) and dominated the play for the last 15 minutes.

Two bad penalties taken by the Isles in the period. The first on Kyle Okposo for roughing up Sean Avery in an attempt to appease the crowd at the Isles bench and the second against Sean Bergenheim for holding below the goaline in the Isles end. I would have to say that both penalties should have been avoided as they didn't serve the purpose Gordon requires for penalties: "If they don't save a goal".

The Islanders did get one good rush out of the period which resulted in a great save by Marty Turco. Richard Park came in on a mini-break off a nifty pass by Mike Comrie and was just robbed by Turco. Most of the shots the Isles took were from outside and really were not threatening at all. They will have to do a much better job dictating the play in the 2nd to have a chance in this one.

Another note; Kyle Okposo's inability to keep the puck on his stick tonight is glaring as he's had it in good spaces and has not been able to create any offense save several shots from the perimeter. I'll be back after the 2nd with more analysis.

So far it's Dallas 3, Islanders 0.

For Questions, Comments and Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.

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