Bertuzzi suspended for the season

[Rimmer]

from TSN:

The NHL has come down hard on Todd Bertuzzi for his actions Monday night against Colorado's Steve Moore.

Bertuzzi has been suspended for the remainder of the season and the playoffs after he sucker punched Moore and drove his head into the ice during the third period of Colorado's lopsided win over the Vancouver Canucks.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will determine whether or not Bertuzzi will be allowed to play again next season prior to the start of training camp.

The Vancouver Canucks have also been fined $250,000 by the NHL. The suspension will cost Bertuzzi at least $501,926.39 in salary.

"Mr. Bertuzzi pursued Mr. Moore on the ice, attempting to engage him in a confrontation," said Colin Campbell, NHL Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations. "When Mr. Moore declined to engage Mr. Bertuzzi, Mr. Bertuzzi responded by delivering a gloved punch from behind to the side of Mr. Moore's head, rendering him unconscious. Upon falling to the ice, Mr. Moore suffered additional serious injuries."

"We want to make clear that this type of conduct will not be tolerated in the NHL."

Campbell added that Moore's recovery from his injuries will be a factor in the final determination of Bertuzzi's suspension.

"Mr. Bertuzzi will be required to meet with Commissioner Bettman prior to the start of training camp for the 2004-05 season, at which point Mr. Bertuzzi's eligibility will be reviewed in light of all the available facts at that time, including Mr. Moore's physical status and the progression of his recovery."

I think the penalty given is about the same as most people here expected.

R.

[Cranky]

He just cost the Canucks any hope of going deep into the playoffs. That's the reward for (roid?) rage.

I wonder what his teamates thing of him now?

[Rimmer]

you know, this might just make the players come together and overcome this adversity. now that everybody is starting to write them off after the Bertuzzi ban, they could find some inner strength and pride in themselves to show the Canucks are more than just Bertuzzi. but then again, they may fall apart . I guess we'll see what kind of leaders are Naslund, Linden and Keane...

[Andrew]

HabsAddict said:

He just cost the Canucks any hope of going deep into the playoffs. That's the reward for (roid?) rage.

I wonder what his teamates thing of him now?

They can't think much of him. Bertuzzi already missed 10 games two years ago for leaving the bench during a fight. He also takes a ton of bonehead penalties at bad times. A selfish player with no self control.

I don't think the Canucks had much hope of going deep into the playoffs regardless. Not with Cloutier in net.

[patate]

Just hope that the fine ($250k) the Canucks organization recieved will put some sense to other GM/coaches around the league. We dont need threat à la Bobby Clark in our league. This guy has always been a wimp anyway, always did the dirty talking but never did the work by himself.

[spotter]

patate said:

We dont need threat à la Bobby Clark in our league. This guy has always been a wimp anyway, always did the dirty talking but never did the work by himself.

Not to criticize or call you out, but you could not have seen Bobby Clarke play. He was anything but a wimp. If anything, he taught his henchman, Dave Schultz, a few things. Mr. Clarke was more than the inspirational leader of the "Broad Street Bullies", he led by example - ask Borje Salming who took one of Clarke's many spears in the gut.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

spotter said:

Clarke was more than the inspirational leader of the "Broad Street Bullies", he led by example - ask Borje Salming who took one of Clarke's many spears in the gut.

What a hero.

Pardon me while I find a grassy knoll.

[spotter]

Mr. said:

What a hero.

Pardon me while I find a grassy knoll.

I find your sardonic humour quite enjoyable. I have no talent for satire and when I see it done well as in your case Mr. Bozo, my hat goes off to you. Cheers!

I was never a fan of Bobby Clarke and found his play quite chippy and always antagonistic. As a matter of fact, I think it could be argued that Todd Bertuzzi is the Bobby Clarke of today - and I don't mean that as a compliment.

I have no sympathy for Bertuzzi's suspension. If anything, it is not severe enough (as in denying him the right to play in the upcoming World Cup). Whether it will act as a deterent for others remains to be seen. I certainly hope so, but many thought McSorley's suspension would put a stop to such idiotic behavior.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

spotter said:

I find your sardonic humour quite enjoyable. I have no talent for satire and when I see it done well as in your case Mr. Bozo, my hat goes off to you. Cheers!

I was never a fan of Bobby Clarke and found his play quite chippy and always antagonistic. As a matter of fact, I think it could be argued that Todd Bertuzzi is the Bobby Clarke of today - and I don't mean that as a compliment.

I have no sympathy for Bertuzzi's suspension. If anything, it is not severe enough (as in denying him the right to play in the upcoming World Cup). Whether it will act as a deterent for others remains to be seen. I certainly hope so, but many thought McSorley's suspension would put a stop to such idiotic behavior.

How many of us called for Bobby Clarke to get jail time when he slashed and broke Kharlomov's ankle. He was a Canadian hero. Bobby slashed a Russian, Bertuzzi didn't. Clarke's action was just as vicious (maybe more) and premediated (maybe a bit less?).