The culture of the NHL has always been different than other leagues, and for the most part it's things to be proud of. Due to a hard salary cap, they aren't quite the spoiled, overpaid patricians that you might see in the NBA or MLB. Their pedestrian, blue-collar work ethic has always made them more approachable and relatable to the average American than the spoon-fed superstars you see taking up all the air-time on SportsCenter.
They also have an unmatched willingness to sacrifice their bodies for the game and their teammates. Is that to say that football players and baseball players don't play through injuries and pain? Of course not. But in hockey it's taken to an entirely new level. Think of how often you hear a pitcher's start has been reschedule due to a hang nail, or a Lebron James being carried off the court because a cramp.
Now think of Gregory Campbell throwing himself in front of a shot that broke his leg, but still hobbling around for another 45 seconds and even blocking more shots because he understood the gravity of the situation and was not going to let his teammates down. Mark Recchi playing through kidney stones as a 41 year old in 2010. Patrice Bergeron playing Game 6 with a broken rib, torn cartilage, a separated shoulder and PUNCTURED LUNG. Steven Stamkos taking a puck to the face that shattered his nose but only missing a shift because it was the playoffs.
That's just the culture of hockey. That's how it's done.
There has also been a long-lasting level of respect that players have for each other. They know when to fight, they know when to hit, and they know how to have a healthy dislike of their opponent to keep them on edge without crossing the line.
But the line has been crossed. And it's time for the league to do something about it.
The NHL has already given out a record 16 suspensions this season, and it's only October. There have been elbows to the head, hit's from behind, and dangerous late hits. Most recently, Buffalo Sabre John Scott threw a late hit targeting Loui Eriksson's head and now he is out indefinitely with a concussion.
Let's take a step back. John Scott is a terrible hockey player. He hasn't produced at any level. He's in the NHL because he's 6'8", 270 lbs. and loves to fight. His one purpose in the league is to fight others and bruise bodies. He's a disgrace to the game of hockey.
Now with Eriksson out, people in Boston are calling for Scott's head on a stake. Some say the league should suspend him for as long as Eriksson's out. But is that justice? Eriksson's a top line winger and Scott has 5 career points.
Others are saying Thornton or Lucic or McQuaid or Chara should fight him the next time they play the Sabres. This is the LAST thing they should do. By doing this, you make Scott relevant. It's what they want you to do. The Sabres would love to trade Scott in the box for 5 minutes for Lucic or Chara. Giving Scott a purpose in this league only exacerbates the issue.
No, the league needs to handle this situation. Make an example of this buffoon and suspend him long term. 50 games. A season. Forever.
And why not? Is that too much? The NHL is at a crossroads. All these rules and regulations are set in place to protect their players and guys like John Scott inhibit that. Make a statement, Shanahan. Show the league and the world that you will not stand for this. The time for half-measures is over. Any more time John Scott spends on NHL ice is an insult to the players, the fans, and the game of hockey itself. Revive respect in the NHL.
Scott faces an in-person hearing on Thursday, October 31st.
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