Sucker Punch Or Just a Pussy?

1) Not that we haven't enjoyed the playoffs, but we also haven't seen too many 'intense' hate-filled games outside of the Colorado-Wild series (briefly). That may be about to change in the Montreal-Philadelphia match up tonight. For those who may have missed it, controversy started late in game 2 of the tied series. The folks in Philadelphia are calling it a 'Sucker Punch, while in Montreal an Academy Award deserving performance. The referred incident occurred after Flyers forward R. J. Umberger scored the match's final goal with a bit more than two minutes remaining in the third period. As the post-goal celebration took place, a melee developed and Kostopoulos punched Timonen with a left hook and then the Montreal player fell on top of Timonen. Having seen the punch over and over it doesn't appear to be overly harsh, however the Finn defensemen went down as if struck by a Mike Tyson round house.

2) To further inflame the incident, after the game Montreal head coach Guy Carbineau stated that: "After that goal they should not have been taunting our players,” “They should have been happy and went to the bench. Don't turn around and deride our players. “He deserved it. That's why they didn't call any extra penalties on it.” The normally low-keyed Flyers coach John Stevens seethed when asked about the scene, calling it “cowardly”. No suspensions were handed down. The NHL stated that since no one was hurt (Montreal still insists Timonen embellished the smack), and penalties were called no further action would be taken by the league.

3) What can almost be guaranteed, is that Philadelphia WILL take some sort of action tonight. Its the first game of the second round series in Philly, and the fans will almost demand retribution of some sort. Certainly the Flyers have the man power to deliver such a 'response'. A roster that has players who can 'throw em', like Hartnell, Cote, Richards, Carter, Hatcher, and Downie. On the other side the Habs have few to match the numerous pugilisticly inclined Flyers. So if the game were to get out of hand (which we ofcourse always hope LOL) then it would seem to favour the denizens of the City of Brotherly Love'. Expect the officials, having been ordered by Bettman to keep it under control, to call everything and anything in the open minutes. Stay tuned, as it might be fun!