Here Comes the Opinion of the Average Hockey Fan (We're Doomed?)

On the day when the NHL walked into the 21st century and banned headshots, YEY progress, Bruce Boudreau made some pretty stupid, 19th century comments. Montreal fans are pissed, I mean lots of hockey fans are pissed but naturally Montreal fans are particularly pissed, with good reason, and Habs fans aren't the type to dick around, when they get upset, they mean business! Remember when they were kicked out of the playoffs and there was a riot and people started destroying cop cars? Uh yea, that's pretty serious. So tonight, a bunch of Habs fans have organized a protest/rally whatever you want to call it, to show their dissatisfaction with the handling of the whole Chara-Pacioretty controversy. Tonight Montreal takes on Washington (still want them to make the playoffs and have a real go at it) and I guess someone asked their Coach Bruce Boudreau, about this whole situation and here's what he had to say:

''If you don't like it, don't come to the games. I think players realize they could get hurt. They don't want to do it [injure other players], but unless you've played and seen what goes on with the speed of the game, you're not going to be able to argue with it.''

''I don't want to get into a controversy, but what if that was (Montreal's) Hal Gill that hit (Boston's) David Krejci?'' he said. ''I don't think there would be a protest going on here today."

c/o The Star

First things first, I don't think any hockey fan is under any sort of illusion that hockey is NOT a physical game. We all agree that its a tough sport to play, that's why an average shift is like 3 and a half minutes. And injury and sport, go hand in hand, when you're pushing your body to its limits, there's bound to be breaks, bruises, and tears. Injuries are not unique to team sports either, pretty sure track stars get torn ACLs as well, its all part and parcel of being an athlete, right? No one is asking for hockey not to be physical, what people are asking for is accountability, and policies that will prevent players from deliberately shoving another dude's head into a metal barrier but hey according to some "Hockey People" that's asking for a lot.

And to counter Boudreau's second point, what if it were a Caps player that had the broken vertebrate, and serious concussion? Pretty sure he wouldn't be throwing his hands up saying "hey that's hockey" no he'd be out for blood, as well. Don't piss in my ear and tell me its raining. If the tables were turned on any other team, their organization would be demanding Chara's suspension just like Montreal, and countless other hockey fans who don't want another Steve Moore on the books. I really don't understand some people's logic.

And then Mike Knuble (who interviewed him anyway, who cares!) took a jab at the safety of the Bell Centre, which may or may not be true but how come every player will say that Montreal is their favourite city to play in? Pulling at straws, that's all I have to say.

And here's some Ryan Kesler interview bombing to lighten the post...oh there's shirtless shots. Your welcome!