The code of the NHL

With respect to the "Grapple in the Apple" and how that stirred more turmoil around the NBA's image-problem -- imagined or not -- the culture of North American ice hockey, while violent, still respects schoolyard rules. In today's NHL, crackdowns on fighting are becoming more and more severe as the sport struggles to find an audience. But there's no place in the game for Todd Bertuzzis, for Marty McSorelys (both of whom were being threatened with criminal prosecution and jail time, nevermind suspension, and both of which were covered extensively by the media), and you can add Nashville's Scott Nichol to that list. A sucker-punch is not a fight, plain and simple. Interesting, though, that the NHL has perhaps the cleanest image amongst pro athletes in North America given how rarely you see it's players getting into trouble off the ice. The same cannot be said for guys with guaranteed contracts who mail it in nightly (*cough* New York Knicks *cough*), while pouting about their coaches, making contributions to orphanages across the country, and having the occassional Stephen Jackson. This isn't meant to be a "hockey is flat out better than basketball" jab because that is a completely subjective argument and this post has nothing to do with the actual sports, but facts are facts. Also, for Steve Francis to cry racism in response to the suspensions levied in the aftermath of the brawl when it's Stu Jackson (*cough* black! *cough*) who is dealing out the penalties speaks to an ignorance that further distances Joe Fan from your average NBA player.

Kings manage to lose 5-2 to the bloody St. Louis Blues, last night. For those still in the dark, the Blues are a hockey team that plays in St. Louis. They're the worst franchise in sports, today. Although the Kings are certainly giving them a run for their money, lately...

NHL considering realignment... again.