04/25/24
December 06, 2005
Breaking the Code?: Though the NHL is trying to rid itself of an image unfriendly to American advertisers, with rule changes to punish this type of behavior, the Code just won't leave Bettman alone.
I can understand what went on in the Sens-Kings game to a point, namely, the point at which Cowan went after Kelly. That made absolutely no sense to me. I think that if the NHL wants to avoid these incidents, they need to address their origins: for instance, getting physical on a goaltender. That's an area of the game which is far too ambiguous right now, and nobody really knows what's right and what's allowed. Declare what you're allowed to do to a goalie and what you're not, and start calling things consistently. Interesting that the nature of "the Code" is just a tad more reminiscent of the U.S. justice system than the Canadian one. But I guess that speaks to the gap between advertising and society.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:34 PM on December 06, 2005
The hockey players have been policing themselves since before most of us had our curly browns. It's the way it has been done for decades. I like the new NHL but they run the risk of fucking it up if they try to fix things that ain't broken. If you can't defend yourself or your teammates when an opponent steps out of line against you, you'll find yourself relatively unsuccessful I think a lack of toughness is what has kept Ottawa out of the cup finals. They have lots of talent and not much in the way of toughness. Declare what you're allowed to do to a goalie and what you're not, and start calling things consistently. If they want to keep goalies in the crease then make them fair game if they come out. I hate the trapezoid behind the net and I would much rather see Eddie Belfour come, play the puck and then get leveled.
posted by HATER 187 at 12:40 PM on December 06, 2005
That, my friends, was a great article. I, too, agree with the Code. It's partially the reason we keep watching isn't it? Try though they may, they will never be able to eliminate this particular mindset from the newer, physically emasculated NHL. If they want to keep goalies in the crease then make them fair game if they come out. I hate the trapezoid behind the net and I would much rather see Eddie Belfour come, play the puck and then get leveled I'm with you on that one. Also, is it just me or does there seem to be a helluva lot more "diving" with the new rules? It appears guys are tripping over their own sticks to get an obstruction or interference call and it's working. I don't think I've seen anyone yet get called for diving. Sorry, I digress.
posted by willthrill72 at 12:49 PM on December 06, 2005
If they want to keep goalies in the crease then make them fair game if they come out. Agreed.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:50 PM on December 06, 2005
I don't see the diving "epidemic" that a lot of these *ahem* commentators are. I am the only one that thinks having one of your best players (Crosby, Forsberg) take a dive remove themselves from play is pretty stupid. You might get the call, you might get whistled too, but your ass is definately on the ice contributing NOTHING. Also to those who think diving should be a penalty on its own and the original infraction should be let go I say this: hooking is still hooking, slashing is still slashing, because it isn't hard enough to knock someone off thier feet or hurt them doesn't mean it isn't a penalty. Digression over
posted by HATER 187 at 01:26 PM on December 06, 2005
Give the diver an extra 2 minutes, maybe a fine, and they'll get the message; fight through the play. But you still have to call the original penalty. FWIW, I think I've seen maybe 3 diving calls so far this year, but never resulting in a powerplay, only coincidental minors. Get rid of the instigator and the last 5 minute thing, whatever the hell it is or trying to be. Call the rule book to protect the goalies, because the rules are already on the books. But also call the goalies for interference when they subtly obstruct forecheckers. They can't have it both ways. Ottawa looks plenty tough this year. Chara has the heavy weight title plaque nailed above his locker. Grattan is one of the few remaining fighters who can alos play the game. You've got Neil. Varada will get you off your game. I'm sure I'm missing at least another notable.
posted by garfield at 01:37 PM on December 06, 2005
If they want to keep goalies in the crease then make them fair game if they come out. Also agreed. I would LOVE to see that, in fact. Also, that would mean the goalies could level people while they were out wandering. Now that would be cool. Bring back Billy Smith. Or Hextall.
posted by fabulon7 at 01:39 PM on December 06, 2005
I both love the Code and hate the Code. I love it when it involves action in the game and reactions in the heat of the moment: Run the goalie? That's a beatin'. Plow the star player from behind into the boards? That's a beatin', too. Sucker punch a teammate? That's definitely a beatin'. I hate it when it involves retaliations that span more than a week, and involve fights between players that had nothing to do with the original infractions (ie: tough guys drop the gloves at the start of the game, 3 months later). I don't think I've seen anyone yet get called for diving. It's been called quite a few times in the first couple months of the season. If you get nailed diving, you get reviewed by the NHL (and might get fined). I do remember someone out west got fined back in November for "diving".
posted by grum@work at 01:44 PM on December 06, 2005
Ottawa looks plenty tough this year. ... I'm sure I'm missing at least another notable. Ray Emery. "It is one thing for a goalie to fight once or twice. Emery on the other hand has been in probably a dozen in his career." —Hockey's Future
- On December 6, 2003, Ray was ejected from the Binghamton Senators game against the Wilkes-Barre Penguins for fighting with Penguins goaltender Andy Chiodo.
- On January 30, 2004, Ray was denied the opportunity to earn his third shutout of the season when, with 4:08 remaining, he was ejected from Binghamton's contest with Albany for being the third man in during a fight.
- Ray's temper got the best of him once again on March 3, 2004, when his Senators faced the Wilkes-Barre Penguins. With 8:53 remaining in the second period of a 1-1 tie, an enraged Emery used his blocker to slam Penguins' center Michel Ouellet over the head. After sending Ouellet to the ice, Emery threw a rught uppercut while still wearing his blocker and received a match penalty.
- On February 12, 2005, Ray was ejected from Binghamton's game in Albany for fighting counterpart Ari Ahonen. Emery lost the shutout opportunity as a result.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 01:48 PM on December 06, 2005
cool site, TrapperJohn. And thanks for the assist.
posted by garfield at 02:27 PM on December 06, 2005
damnit fabulon. I was gonna say bring back Billy Smith. He sure knew how to keep the crease clear.
posted by drevl at 02:32 PM on December 06, 2005
I really don't see how the Code is alienating Americans from the NHL. I mean, I can see it in theory, but in reality, there's not a more "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" country in the world than the good ol' USA, especially now days. Perhaps if hockey players could shoot each other, we'd watch more.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:54 PM on December 06, 2005
I don't see it either, TBH, but that is the way the game is being marketed here. I don't agree with it, but then again, Gary and I rarely see eye to eye. Maybe if he wasn't a frickin' elf, we would.
posted by garfield at 03:09 PM on December 06, 2005
Thanks for the interesting read. I'm utterly lost on how the Code alienates Americans or the advertisers looking to make some bucks off of them. I don't follow hockey, nor do many of my friends, but if you want to lure in the casual American viewer it would seem to me the Code is exactly what you want to push. I always love seeing the fights. willthrill72 said-"newer, physically emasculated NHL." Again, ignorant non-hockey fan here, but is this just a marketing scheme to attract females to the game? Sorry, I've been woefully out-of-touch with hockey especially since the lock-out.
posted by redsnare at 03:38 PM on December 06, 2005
redsnare, it isn't the Code doing the alienating. It is Gary Bettman's method of marketing the game that wishes the game didn't include the Code. It is the attraction of desirable demographics that makes Gary think this way. The product is directed at the youth market, and that has to be primetime and parent-approved...and network execs and soccer moms don't like fighting. Cable has figured it out as they show the fisticuffs. But the League, which pines for mass appeal, needs to meet network standards to get those network dollars.
posted by garfield at 03:58 PM on December 06, 2005
The guy wearing the black jacket in the stands in the "myNHL" spots looks so bored.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 04:04 PM on December 06, 2005
It's time for an all time hockey team like that baseball post. Lets see, Nick Fotiu, Dave Schultz, Paul "Cementhead" Cimenko, Ty Domi, Bobby Nystrum. Let's not forget the Hansen brothers (Slap Shot). Smitty in goal. Could even include an actual hockey player in Gordy Howe. No helmuts allowed. Gotta see Nystrum's golden locks.
posted by drevl at 04:48 PM on December 06, 2005
O.K. I'm a hockey novice, but am from Detroit, and love to root for my Wings. If some of you knowledgeable hockey can help me out I'll appreciate it. I always hear that the agressive play, and especially the fighting are a turn off to American fans. Why would that be? We are one of the most violent countries on earth. Why would two athletes punching each other turn our stomachs? I personally used to love it when Bob Probert kicked the crap out of guys like Tie Domi. If anyone can give me insight to this seemingly paradoxical situation I'd appreciate it.
posted by Fade222 at 05:48 PM on December 06, 2005
correction: OLN is cable, but you know what I trying to say.
posted by garfield at 05:51 PM on December 06, 2005
I mean Betteman CAN'T be THAT stupid that he doesn't realize these kids have tv sets in their rooms. Can he???
posted by Fade222 at 05:52 PM on December 06, 2005
Code Shmode I think you are all forgetting something about Hockey: NOBODY CARES!
posted by grandstrand at 06:02 PM on December 06, 2005
Whoo-hoo. Good stuff there, Nunya.
posted by yerfatma at 06:28 PM on December 06, 2005
Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, Ron Hextall, Tony Twist, lol
posted by GoBirds at 07:44 PM on December 06, 2005
I like the Code and I think it's mostly a myth that it's a turn off to American fans. I'm an American fan. Well 2nd generation from Canada. And my family came there from France in 1662. Well, ok I'm Canadian by blood, 'ey. I did have a friend in Phoenix when hockey first arrived there several years ago. He said he wouldn't watch it until they got rid of the fighting. Funny thing is he loved boxing. Idiot.
posted by commander cody at 11:13 PM on December 06, 2005
grandstrand, in your statement, methinks you are wrong. 25 responses in less than 11 hours means that obviously someone cares about hockey. Fade222, if you need help, with understanding the game, I can help you, and we might even get you to understand how this stuff works. By my logon here you can probably tell I grew up watching Gordie Howe and those guys had balls, even when I started playing we didn't wear helmets yet. But to the subject. In essence I agree the line has to be drawn on just where a goalie can and can't get involved, hater187, especially after having lost skin off the backs of my legs on thousands of occasions when a goalie whacked me with his stick for screening him. When they leave the crease behind it, they should be protected by their players, however, not the crease rules. If they skate out beyond the paint in a forward direction, you bet your a$$ they should be fair game. Hasek is big enough to defend himself, most goalies are. Beyond that, I was only 205 lbs in my playing days, and I fought many of the good fighters plenty when I was challenged (in their minor days). And the mere adrenaline is enough to drive most players to drop 'em when it's called for. Be honest, I have no concept of where this idea comes from that Americans don't like a good fight. Most of my dates AND my two wives used to enjoy watching them, both with me in it and without.
posted by mrhockey at 04:26 AM on December 07, 2005
Is the code that much different than baseballs bean ball code. 'You hit me too many times Mr. Pitcher me and all my friends on the bench are gonna come out and whip your ass." This is another unspoken rule and is part of America's favorite past time. The whole code makes Americans hate hockey argument don't hold water. Maybe I'm the exception to the rule, white male american in the hallowed 18-49 demo who doesn't like football but grows a big rubbery one when a speedy winger breaks in alone, dekes, and then roofs a backhander over a prone goalie.
posted by HATER 187 at 09:53 AM on December 07, 2005
The baseball comparison is right on. Americans do like a good fight, and that is why the League's attempt to reduce the importance of fighting is baffling to me. Americans, stand up and be heard! Let Bettman know how you feel!
posted by garfield at 10:32 AM on December 07, 2005
Americans, stand up and be heard! Let Bettman know how you feel! Please...Bettman doesn't even care how Canadians feel, and they're his North American core audience.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:11 PM on December 07, 2005
The Code. I love how captializing it seems to lend it some creedence. Frankly, I like the Code. Hockey is a high speed, emotional, violent game. If you can't defend yourself or your teammates when an opponent steps out of line against you, you'll find yourself relatively unsuccessful. Intimidation is a powerful tool in this game - it has to be confronted. There's room for it in the modern NHL.