When is a 10 game suspension really only 5 games?

Preseason is underway, and already new rule enforcer Brendan Shanahan has already had to dole out some justice. I have to say, much to this blogs disappointment, he has done a fantastic job so far.  This will severely hamper the amount of things for me to rage about if he continues this trend.

Yesterday Shanny suspended the Calgary Flames Leblond  5 games (4 preseason, 1 regular), and Philly's  Shelley 10 games (5 preseason, 5 regular).   He also made good on his promise to be totally transparent on his decision making by releasing these two explanation videos.  Shelley, and Leblond.

While I like these videos and the reasons he gives that went into his final judgement, I have one small gripe.

What is the point of suspending a player for preseason games?  Where is the deterrent factor here?  I mean Would either of these players have played all these games anyway?  I doubt it.  So while the numbers look impressive, 5 and 10 games respectively, in reality it is more like a 1 and 5 game suspension.   Minor issue, but still to me undermines the impact a bit.  Hopefully in the regular season, Shanny continues to be consistent in these matters.


RACISM IN LONDON?

Last night during a shoot out attempt by Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds, a fan threw a banana on the ice as the player attempted his shot.  Who brings fruit to a hockey game?  Anyway, lots of debate as to what should happen to London as a result.  Should they lose their rights to hold exhibition games over the idiocy of one guy?  Not sure I have an answer to this one.  Seems kinda fucked up though either way.


LEAFS NEW 3rd JERSEY:

Today, the Toronto Maple Leafs officially unveiled their new (old) 3rd jersey to the public.  It had been leaked a few weeks back when someone in Buffalo spotted one in the arena gift shop, but now it is available for all to see.   The design, which is a replica of the ones worn in 1967, were worn on a panel by former captains Wendel Clark, Darryl Sittler, with current Leafs Colby Armstrong, and Luke Schenn.

I have to say, even looking similar to the current sweaters, with only the logo and stripe pattern different, I like them a lot.  They will be wearing them opening night vs Montreal on Oct 6th, and then 13 more times through out the season.  The dates are below.

• October 6 vs. Montreal
• October 29 vs. Pittsburgh
• November 5 vs. Boston
• November 12 vs. Ottawa
• November 19 vs. Washington
• December 3 at Boston
• December 5 at New York Rangers
• December 17 vs. Vancouver
• January 7 vs. Detroit
• January 13 at Buffalo
• February 4 at Ottawa
• February 29 at Chicago
• March 24 vs. New York Rangers
• March 31 vs. Buffalo

Anyway, that is all for now.  I am off to get retarded drunk while trying to avoid contracting any STD's from circus clowns.  I have the next blog already planed... It is PREDICTION TIME!!!!

Until next time...

STAY ANGRY!!