It's official: Pronger suspended 1 game for hit on Holmstrom
By rabi9634
@rabi9634 (419)
United States
May 16, 2007 8:04pm CST
Glad to see the NHL is taking hits to the head seriously. Chris Pronger will be watching Game 4, but it won't be from behind the bench. He'll have to sit it out in the press box, locker room, or other off-ice seating area.
The coach isn't happy, and neither is Pronger. Neither of them believe the suspension was warranted. Both were eager to offer up excuses for the incident. But, as we all know: Excuses are like ******, everybody's got one.
Hope this serves as a lesson not to drop elbows into the heads of your opponents.
Updated prediction: Wings in Five!
2 people like this
3 responses
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
17 May 07
After watching that hit, he got off easy. The game was lost for the most part and there was no reason to act like a goon on the ice. Since the start of the playoffs, teams have been trying to take out Holmstrom. It is appaling to see. I wish we had McCarty back, because he wouldn't let these cheap shot artists get away with that kind of headhunting. When 2 guys gang up on him against the boards, that is an attack. I am biased becasue I am a Red Wing fan, but even so, Pronger got what he deserved.
@rabi9634 (419)
• United States
17 May 07
What gets me riled up isn't so much the hit, but how the Ducks are responding to it. They're downplaying it like it wasn't a big deal. Looking back earlier in the playoffs at Brad May's suspension, you would think that Anaheim would at least be able to appreciate why the league is giving the suspension.
It's one thing to play rough hockey, but what they're doing is cheap. If Pronger wants to hit Homer face to face and somehow manages to end his season, then that's just hart hitting hockey. There's no need for the hits from behind or the hits to the head.
I wouldn't be too shocked to see the Wings start bringing their sticks up for protection. A few high sticking minors (or double minors) and some fresh stitches should be enough to send a message to the Ducks not to make that kind of play.
1 person likes this
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
17 May 07
As much as I would like to see the Wings be more agressive physically, I think if they keep their cool, the Duckies will eventually go too far and get into penalty trouble. Detriot has been very good at keeping their heads despite getting them practically removed by their opponents. This way the Duckies' feathers will be ruffled and that plays into Detroit's hands. I would think that Bertuzzi would be a force, but he really can't do a whole lot because of his past history. They will throw him out at the slightest sign of aggression.
@heatherc (398)
• United States
17 May 07
I'm happy that the league took action on that hit. And that Holmstrom seems to be okay. He is such a key member of the team...his return turned around the San Jose series. How many players are willing to take the abuse that he gets in front of the net night in and night out?
The only downside to Pronger's suspension is that he seems to take a lot of penalties when he plays against the Wings, especially when he gets upset. Then again, not having him on the point for their power play for a game should help the Wings out a bit.
Did anyone find it odd that the fans were so loud after the hit? I didn't understand that...cheering because a player who wasn't wearing your team's colors is laying on the ice. I remember when Pronger (then playing with the Blues) was hit by a puck in the chest at the Joe. You could hear a pin drop. I can't remember exactly how long they cheered since I was more concerned about Holmstrom, but I do not remember it being quiet. I remember the boos and the "Refs you suck" chant after the penalty was announced. It just seemed like an odd reaction to a player being hurt.
@rabi9634 (419)
• United States
17 May 07
Even though the Wings won't see as many power plays with Pronger out, they finally kick-started their 5-on-5 scoring. The line shuffling definitely picked up even strength goals. Pronger has been the best player for the Ducks, so having him out is going to hurt the Ducks AND help the Wings.
In terms of the crowd cheering, I can't blame them for cheering for the initial hit. The fans in Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, Buffalo, Ottawa, Vancouver, etc. etc. would have been doing the exact same thing had two of their players laid that heavy of a hit on an opponent's star player. What bothered me was that nobody seemed to take issue to the fact that he didn't get up right away. Hockey is meant to be a rough sport, and everyone likes seeing a good solid check or a hard open ice hit. Ducks fans need to learn the difference between that and intent to injure.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
17 May 07
I hope you are right about your prediction.I saw the hit. seeing it in regular speed it looked like Niedemayer did more damage. But with replay, I really could see that it was Pronger. I am so glad he got suspended. It was great to see Holmstrom come back. I heard he got 13 stitches. Now that's a hockey player. Thursday's game should be good.Go Wings!
