ENOUGH PHANEUF? Why Todays Game Needs Old Time Hockey Justice
BDGallof | Sep 18, 2009 | Comments 5
By B.D. Gallof
There are those who wondered is Garth Snow was making a mistake by not going out and getting an enforcer (yours truly included). Per Chris Botta, the Isles made a formal inquiry on Colton Orr during this summers quick free agency frenzy. But it was Toronto’s 4 year deal by pugnacious and deadly-blunt Brian Burke who perhaps understood the needs far better. His main off-season work was to remake the Leafs into a far more physical and intimidating force this season.
In talking to sources within the Islanders organization, and some close to it as well, the Isles have not worried about getting a 4th line physical guy. The feel internally they could get one in season if necessary.
“When healthy, Andy Sutton can keep up with the best of them” spoke one source. “You also have Nate Thompson who is ready to go”
I asked if not grabbing one enforcer basically invites other teams to take liberties and intimidate the youth of arebuild, they were cavalier:
“They can just take a run at the opposing team goalie”
When the Islanders were up 3-1 in a preseason game with the Flames last night, liberty was taken only a 3rd game in.
Kyle Okposo skating up the ice, albeit his head down, was lined up by Dion Phaneuf. The ensuing hit was crushing, where Okposo had to be carried off in a stretcher. He is listed with a mild concussion.
Last time I checked, Miikka Kiprusoff was still walking on his own volition.
What should be flashing for the Islanders is a Star Trek red alert, because nobody is afraid of anyone on this team to think twice over a massive hit meted out in a meaningless preseason tilt.
For those who want my opinion . . .
The hit was clean. But the intent was not.
The reason Phaneuf will get away with it is not just because Garth not getting someone who can enforce. It is the lack of getting those who can give off “the fear”. In all honesty, thanks to the “new NHL” where dives are aplenty and stars are constantly protected in lieu of “regular players”, there has been a disappearance of those players who fists and physical dimension makes a young punk think twice.
Phaneuf, when lining up Okposo, was like a shark, with that dull gaze and dolls eyes with nary a thought of someone on the Isles giving him a shot with a stick to his yambags later on. He is just another player who will see very little payback thanks to a divide of skill-sets between a faster NHL and most physical NHL-level talent nplit between commodities and as those who can’t keep up float on the AHL or retire years before their time.
You must have “the fear”. Whether it be a few scrappers or one hulking brute. The Isles needed to have personnel that provide cost (the steeper the better) to avoid these type of situations. The cost now to get someone or two is somewhat higher and why Colton Orr got 4 years.
The NHL removed most of those who would have provided some hinder thanks to their constant tinkering to remove the testosterone to the game. What they have done, is made the game far more dangerous, ultimately.
When NY Rangers coach John Tortorella and GM Glen Sather let the popular Orr walk, they cited Donald Brashear as a step-up in play/skating level. Left unsaid was that a Brashear on the ice or team would give these players who look to damage second thoughts. Brashear is fearsome, who will strike back with a furious anger.
The Fear matters still these days. And those that create some are worth their salt to avoid the type of damage to young stars. If the NHL was smart, they’d let some of these guys carry a roll of quarters in their gloves so when stupid does what stupid does. Phaneuf should have needed to pick up the rest of his teeth off the ice as he eate fat fists down his Cuthbertian pucker.
THAT is what should have and NEEDS to have happen.
Filed Under: Calgary Flames • Featured • New York Islanders • NHL
Life long Islander fan here.. grew up 20 minutes away from the Mausoleum and was in High shcool when they won 4 straight. That being said, Kyle got a lil shove from behind throwing his head forward and lowering his torso.. BUT, before any of that happend, look at the clip.. Phaneuf was already moving in for the kill almost sideways through the neautral zone to deliver the crushing check. I don't know what to say other then it sucks. It's preseason, but what can u do. I don't think it was an illegal check thrown.. he led with his shoulder and drove through with his legs.. text book.. I cringe that it's only preseason but like everyone else he's getting his game going for the regular season.. can't blame him for that. I just hate that it had to happen to Kyle..another Isle down. Nielson, Bergie, Weight…etc.. Seems awfully familiar to me.. "UGH"
Nice post and nice abs BD. Wouldn't we all like a "Cuthbertian pucker"… or something on that order? Yes, the hit was clean and he did have malice in his heart. I understand your concern for the NHL's budding stars like KO, but bringing back the Semenko's of the world isn't the answer.. I don't see any room in the league for a total goon like Brashear (four points, 121 PIMs last year). The Wings and Pens have won and they don't need an enforcer to protect their young stars. Who , on those teams, "gives off the fear?" In Pittsburgh, do Cooke and Goddard (Last years PIMs leaders) put fear into anyone? In Detroit , do Downey and Draper (The leaders in PIMs in the Wings 2007-08 cup winning year) stop any players from taking liberties? In my humble opinion, the "fear" should be not wanting to suffer the ultimate injury, a goal on the power play. Make teams fear the decisive repercussion…losing. The Isles sub 15% and sub 17% power play percentage wouldn't strike fear in anyone. Teams put the Orr's and the Brashears on the shelf when it counts during the playoffs anyway. Should they carry them just for the preseason games and then cut them? Besides, I don't think Phaneuf is a "punk." He is 6'3", 218 lbs. of tough hockey player. He fears no man on the ice.
Good post Spittin Chicklets. Very fair assessment of the play.
How has Tavares looked in camp so far? Watched him for the last few years here in Oshawa playing for the Generals in the OHL. Have seen him make plays that I have never seen anyone else make, yet the big question mark has been his speed end to end. He's got the moves, has he been showing it yet? He's got the hands and can put the puck behind the goalie with what looks like a shrug of his shoulders or simply stickhandle the puck over the goal line. He started getting into more one-timers his last year here, both giving and recieving. Has he been able to show his stuff at the NHL level yet?
As for the enforcer question. A better deterant to plays like Phaneuf's is to have players that when the game turns physical, they start drooling all over themselves in anticipation as the coach gives them the green light. How about a line of Cal Clutterbuck, Ben Eager, Steve Downie or Patrick Kaleta.Trowbacks to Bill Burg for you Islanders fans. Phaneuf would not be very popular with his teamates if his hit brought the likes of these types of players out on the ice every other shift for the rest of the night. These guys making up your 4th line would be much more of a deterant then one heavywieght who will simply be met by the other teams heavywieght for a side show dance a center ice.