It's time for the CBC to put Don Cherry out to pasture

[snowywolfowl]

I figured Don Cherry wouldn't be happy at the suspensions the NHL has handed out so far for dangerous hitting. That's the type of prediction that doesn't require any sort of crystal ball. That said his comments about former NHL enforcer's being "gutless pukes" for being concerned about problems with health and drug addiction are crossing a line.  Think about it - these guys made a living from being punched in the face  - if they weren't worried that would be a cause of even greater concern.

I also thought his video montage of Scott Stevens giving concussions to at least five different players while claiming "Enjoy it while it lasts, people! You'll never see this again!" really, REALLY missed the point of the NHL cracking down on potential career ending head shots. Neither Eric Lindros and Paul Kariya, two of the best players in the game at the time Stevens smashed them, were ever the same again. 

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good hit. I just want to see the player who gets knocked down get up and be able to rejoin the play with no ill effects. Clearly Don Cherry doesn't get that. That's kind of sad, really.

Comments

[snowywolfowl.livejournal.com]

It was very disturbing to see him play a montage of hits that injured people as something to be missed in the new NHL, and very ironic given his long standing calls to get touch icing out of the game on the grounds that it's too dangerous.*

Anyway it's Don Cherry so you know what you're going to get on Coach's Corner. On to more pressing matters - is this Lidstrom's final year, and perhaps just as importantly, does he tie Bobby Orr's eight Norris Trophies?

*That poor Edmonton defender who broke his femur in the pre-season actually makes a good point in Cherry's favour here. Youth and Rec league hockey doesn't allow touch icing.

[anomilygrace.livejournal.com]

lalalala I don't have to worry about that until after the season!

...but yeah, I think it's probably his last season. I think he and Holmstrom might like to retire together. On the flip side, he's the GD Perfect Human. He can do whatever the hell he wants. As for the Norris? That'd be pretty magic, and I think it could totally happen if he doesn't get hurt. I saw them play at a scrimmage a few weeks ago, and he still looked just amazing even in a scrimmage situation.

[snowywolfowl.livejournal.com]

He looked awesome on that goal he picked up against Ottawa. At least Datsyuk makes his wizardry look amazing. Lidstrom makes his look deceptively simple.

I could seem Holmstrom going out with Lidstrom. Standing in front of the net like he does, night in, night out, has got to take a toll.

[anomilygrace.livejournal.com]

That Ottawa goal was gorgeous! All five were pretty impressive nice. I was happy to see Hudler get a goal early on. Here's hoping for a better season for him.

And absolutely re: Lidstrom. He's so good because he's so smart and plays the positioning game so beautifully well (and other reasons). I think it's probably part of why it took so long for the hockey establishment to realise how great he was! He never LOOKS like he's doing anything all that difficult.

Homer's getting up there in age too. It'll be the end of an era if we lose both of them after this year - already felt like that this summer losing Ozzie and Draper!