Scott Walker escaped a suspension for his punch to Aaron Ward's face late in Game 5, but it had as much to do with Ward's actions as Walker's.
Ward had exchanged shoves with Matt Cullen and Walker before Walker threw a punch that caught Ward in the left eye, as Ward stood with his hands at his sides.
The officials, Tim Peel and Brad Watson, assessed Walker an instigator penalty, which in the final five minutes of a game carries an automatic one-game suspension. But the league ruled Monday that Walker and Ward were engaged in an altercation and rescinded the suspension.
From Ward's perspective, the strategy was clear: Goad Walker into doing something stupid, without responding, to take advantage of the Hurricanes' obvious frustration. Ward's quick intervention to hold back Milan Lucic's retaliation could be seen as evidence of that plan.
So could Lucic's assertion after the game that Ward was OK, while Boston coach Claude Julien was calling in a medivac copter. (Julien already lost whatever shreds of credibilty he had left with his bizarre "Carolina's trap" rant before Game 5, which was equal parts incorrect and disingenuous.) Julien said Monday that Ward was still being evaluated, but would travel with the team to Raleigh.
Ward may indeed have suffered a broken orbital bone, which would be a tough price to pay for taking one for the team, particularly when his sacrifice ended up being moot because the league saw through the gambit. Or he may be just fine for Game 6. Ward's a tough customer, as Canes fans would know, and he's also a savvy veteran. No one punches Ward in the face without his permission.
I have been critical of the NHL's supplementary-discipline policy over the years, and for good reason, but this was one case where the process worked, so full marks to Colin Campbell and series supervisor Kay Whitmore, whose game report would have held the most weight in deliberations.
For hockey fans, not necessarily Bruins or Canes fans, the best part of this was the wonderfully passive-aggressive official statement from Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford:
“We are satisfied with the league’s ruling,” said Hurricanes President and General Manager Jim Rutherford. “After our team received several punches throughout the series leading up to Game 5, it was a matter of time before one was going to be thrown back.”
That has to go down as one of the best bits of playoff gamesmanship in recent years.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or
Comments
'Canes fans are in denial
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 13:13 — NeutralIceHey, I'm not going to bash Carolina fans, the way some do, for being naive, new the the sport, a bunch of yahoos, and so on. I know better than that. But why is it that Carolina fans are so blindly criticizing the Bruins for being ruthless and vicious and their fans for being angry for he league's bungling of what should so obviously be a one game suspension for Scott Walker (and I'm not going to apologize for the Boston idiots who post idiotic messages...their words speak for themselves)?
Fact: Aaron Ward was SUCKER PUCNHED. Here's a direct quote from today's RN-O from Walker:
"I was trying to defend a teammate. It's unfortunate what happened," he said. "I haven't been known to hit somebody without their gloves on (he means WITH their gloves on...more evidence that he's stupid as well as felonious).
"The way he was, I thought there was a fight and there wasn't apparently. So I'll pay my fine and I accept the punishment."
"I thought there was a fight and there wasn't apparently"? So he admits to hitting someone who had no intention of dropping the gloves and that there was no fight between him and Ward (Ward shoved him, he didn't punch him. Shoves get handed out 2,000 times a game...it's NOT a reason to sucker punch someone). The motive should have nothing to do with the sentence handed out, which was lenient, indeed. A sucker punch is a sucker punch. Like the rule or not, instigating in the last five minutes is, according to the NHL "rules", an automatic suspension. This crap has no place in the sport. Neither do vicious chops to the heel while your opponent has his back to you, which Wussie Jokenin got away with as well.
No, Carolina fans, save your wrath, because you got away with two biggies on Sunday. Instead, pray that whatever retaliation the Bruins decide upon tonight doesn't leave any of your players, our your deservedly bright hockey future, permanently damaged. The B's are much bigger, stronger and tougher. When they want to be, and when the circumstances call for it, Boston's more bloodthirsty than any other NHL team. I have a feeling we're going to see that tonight, thanks to Colin "Look The Other Way" Campbell. I'm going to enjoy it because, though I don't necessarily like violence, I do love to see it when there's payback to someone who punches someone who's turned the other cheek, which Aaron Ward did, quite literally.
Have a nice summer, which will arrive sooner than you think it will!
Much Love,
Neutral Ice
Character and Team Play by Hurricanes -- Game 6
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 10:42 — abramsdougThe Bruins organization and players really are not performing with the class I would hope and expect of them. They have excellent players and a great coach. If they indeed are a physical and talented team, rather than a collection of gifted athletes, they need to prove it on the ice between whistles. I appreciate the fact that the Hurricanes have shown character and have not lowered themselves to the punk play of the Bruins. I think it is one reason the Hurricanes lead 3-2 and have the opportunity tonight at the RBC to send the Bruins home to go golfing for the Spring and Summer. This game in particular matters to me personally because a victory tonight for the Hurricanes will validate the concept that hard play and emphasis of character creates a winning environment. The closer the Bruins get to being eliminated the more they whine and take cheap shots after the whistle. It speaks poorly of them.
You're full of it
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 14:26 — NeutralIceJussi Jokinen slashed Chara's ankle while Chara's back was turned and Scott Walker sucker punched Aaron Ward, who was fighting for position in front of the net with Cullen (which was a third man in penalty that, also amazingly, was not called). Both warranted one game suspensions, but the NHL bailed the Hurricanes out in each case. You claim that "...the Hurricanes have shown character and have not lowered themselves to the punk play of the Bruins". What utter hogwash. It's the other way around. You and your fellow Kool Aid Drinkers just can't take the fact that the Bruins are much bigger, much stronger and much tougher than the Hurricanes, so you're crying like little babies about being legitimately manhandled. The only way Carolina can respond is to cheap shot, which is utterly classless and indicates what this weak team thinks of itself. It'll be interesting to see tonight how the B's play it. Judging from Colin Campbell's shitting of his own drawers regarding this matter, it should be open season on the Hurricanes tonight, in which case, Walker, Jokinen, Conboy et al will be shaking in their skates at the sight of Ward, Chara, Thornton, Lucic and Hnidy looking for a whole lot of payback, which they will get not only in the physical battles, but on the scoreboard as well. Same goes for Game 7, which WILL take place and which the Bruins WILL win. Guaranteed.
Have a nice summer, schmuck. It's coming soon for 'Canes fans.
NeutralIce
Heres a suggestion.
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 10:40 — AVisitFromBostonGo to ESPN.com and read the commentary on the ruling.
Now filter out anyone with Boston, Bruin, Cane, or NC in the name and read away.
It was a third person in, instigator penalty within the final 5 minutes of the game.
One game suspension.
Nothing else should be written.
I am glad it was waived. Now maybe the instigator rule, that the players hate, will go away.
Here's to hoping that the players decide tonights game and not the refs.
No issues
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 10:09 — Hockeydogwith Walker. The Boo'ins had been taking cheap shots all series. At least Scotty stood in front of Ward and gave him a chance to defend himself, after Ward tried to rough up a smaller player. Then Walker pounded Ward to the ice !!
People say it was a mistake to "wake up" the Boo'ins, but they were already awake as evidenced by the dominating game they played. I say Ward's actions and subsequent punch by Walker woke up the Canes. There will be no chance the Canes don't come out on high alert tonight. This team is at it's best when they are skating hard. Sundays win by the Bruins would have been more effective had they just taken the W and left the ice, leaving the Canes mad at themselves.
I agree
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 14:40 — NeutralIceThe Hurricanes WILL be on high alert. Boston's retalitaion will be swift in Game 6, and soon the Carolinas will be second guessing Scott "The Goat" Walker for irrevocably turning the series in the Bruins' favor. Mark my words!
NeutralIce
Embarrased
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 08:22 — greensborogeezerEmbarrassed with the way the Bruins team and Boston fans are acting. I was born in Boston and lived in NH and Mass for 20 years. Have resided in Carolina for the past 60 years (with time in the USMC)
I hope there is always that 10% who depict the low class behavior being shown by Boston
Go Canes
whatever
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 10:45 — AVisitFromBostonThank you for your time served.
Now take your wide view of all Bostonians based on 2 or 3 posters here and keep it to yourself.
My opinions of certain play and style are different mostly because of the team I am rooting for. I am a fan.
As the Buffalo fans did, I figured out how to make a Name and pass here and you now have to deal with me and others.
Its better then sitting around agreeing with each other over everything. Admit it.
Will be here tomorrow as I fully expect a game to be played Thursday.
Good luck everyone.
Malarkey
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 14:11 — greensborogeezerDon’t give me that malarkey “Thank you for your time served”
because it sounds like liberals and others that are actually ashamed that they have
no military service
As far as taking a wide view based on 2-3, just read the
comments in the Boston Globe
Have a nice day
Koolaid?
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 21:32 — larikatGet it straight, it's Sweet Tea.
jumptheshark.again?
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 21:06 — gmwannabeeI would not know any names of beat writers in Boston. I could care less. You are just like the trolls in Buffalo that figured out how to create a name and password here. Two towns that are gloomy and full of out of work people who take it all out on athletes in their town when they lose.
The series has taken a nice twist...Walker has a coma right..
The handshake line should be interesting .
Deal with it Boston Fans..
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 20:56 — gmwannabeeYour storied history is filled with goons and hot heads like milbury and O'Reilly...you know, the guys who went into the stands at MSG beating up loud mouth fans like you.
Walker just showed you all that hockey players will stand up to garbage like Aaron Ward. Ward played here and was exactly the same..bush league guy picking on smaller guys and when a bigger guy came to their defense..Ward got lost in the crowd and watched a fight HE Started. Did they not tell Ward that Walker beat the piss out of some Bruin in Boston a year or so ago? Look it up on youtube..and while you are at it...look up Clark Gillies beating up O'Reilly back in the day...yet another team you all laughed at that had some players that would stick up for each other.
Man..are there that many losers in Boston who take the time to find this site..but are too lazy to find a job?
JumptheShark you sure are
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 20:51 — mokimanoJumptheShark you sure are all hot and bothered over spilled milk...get over it, move on, Walker faced the league hearing and they ruled based on the report filed by the officials and all parties involved...if your that hung up on it, send Gary Bettman a letter and save the band width on here whining about it. The game is played on the ice by men that can handle themselves, last time I checked the pursuit of the Stanley Cup is a war that takes 16 wins and lots of battles along the way...yet here you are worried about a sportswriter or a league decision...how about talking some hockey...
Simple fact
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 20:21 — RPadiWard tried to connect an elbow to Cullen and miss the sucker punch, sadly for him Walker saw that (and the league too) and he did not miss :-)
Go Canes and go Walker (We can change his nickname to "two by four" now!!)
Alright already!
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 18:57 — hockeyhickI was one that thought Walker's act deserved a suspension. I wish I knew for certain what was said between the 2 prior to "The Punch"...BUT...
There was no suspensions. From the perspective of a Bruins fan this could be used as fuel for the fire. From the perspective of a Canes fan this is the league getting it right. One thing I do know is that this series just got a whole lot more interesting...
Can the Canes stay disciplined, get back to the things that earned them 3 wins in this series, and close it out at home? Will the Bruins be so preoccupied with revenge that they take bad penalties or get out of position?
Personally, I would welcome any Bruins to seek revenge on Mr. Walker. Go ahead, take the penalty. Fine by me. Scott Walker is as tough as they come and can handle himself should the need arise. Will he win any fight that comes up? Probably not. But I feel certain that neither Walker, or any other Cane for that matter, is intimidated by the Bruins. If it comes to it, I'll gladly let Lucic and Walker sit in the box for 5 minutes.
There will be a palpable energy in the building. It's the biggest game of the year for each team. If the Canes come out hitting and skating it could go either way. If the Canes take advantage of the matchups and are responsible in their own end I'll put my money on Wardo being the difference. I owuld love for this series to end tomorrow.
good points...
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 21:01 — pmarz1...but do you really think the Bruins will allow this incident distract them into taking foolish penalties. As a Canes fan you can only hope they do but most knowlegable fans, Bruins or not that know anything about the Bruins will tell you they will do just the opposite. I will cite their previous series against the Habs as concrete evidence to support this. Many here on both sides have complained about what they deem cheap hits, etc. in this series but this series pales in comparison to what went on in the previous one yet the Bruins just sucked it up and played. Dont count on it being any different this time around.
they "sucked it up and played"
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 05:25 — hockeyhickbecause they were leading the series. It is completely different this time around. You sound like all the other Boston fans that said the Canes would have trouble winning one game. But, and correct me if I'm wrong, the Bruins have indeed taken more penalties than usual the last few games, Chara especially.
Swing & a Miss Indeed
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 17:01 — LainiencAgreed, JRs comments are to the point and am pleasantly surprised the league looked at the empirical evidence on tape and came to the right conclusion. Nice work as always, Luke.
Gotta Love That
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 16:21 — scomilGotta love Jim Rutherford's response - that is classic. Julien needs a diaper change - he's putting himself right up there with Lindy Ruff as far as whining and crying during the playoffs goes. Just as that childish stuff never worked for the Sabres, it won't work in this case either. They may give him the Adams but he'll never win a cup. Boston should have known not to take a Montreal reject.
Not any worse than...
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 16:29 — JumptheSharkMo whining on the bench for all the world to see. What a crybaby.
As far as DeCock's by-line, "A swing and a miss", he may well be describing any number of his own submissions to the N&O....What a fraud.
Huh?
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 15:52 — JumptheSharkAll-time low, DeCock. Julien lost whatever shreds of credibility he had....? Julien is a classy guy and a great coach. He may end up winning the Adams award. But, according to you, his credibility was already in tatters, and now is dust. On what basis do you make this claim? Because he had an opinion on Mo's strategy?
You homer. Another half-baked entry on your part. Now go collect your paycheck from Rutherford.
Huh?
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 16:34 — fourcornersLook, I'm glad that the Boston demographic is chipping in. You guys provide a great deal of hockey knowledge that comes with a storied history, and we're glad to play you and not the Slugs.
But dude: Luke is one of the top-tier NHL beat writers in the country. That is an opinion assessed not only by Caniacs but by most NHL fanbases. Historically fair reporting. Just Google his name and go read past coverage if you want.
Isn't there a Celtics game on that you can go watch?
Well....
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 16:57 — pmarz1...he seems to have lost his objectivity fourcorners. Just look at his view of what happened. He writes'
"Ward had exchanged shoves with Matt Cullen and Walker before Walker threw a punch that caught Ward in the left eye"
Ward had absolutely no physical exchange with Walker, none. You may want to review the replay from the Versus feed instead of the one posted on this site. Might I add Cullen was no innocent bystander in all this. You can clearly see him taking a whack at Ward just after Ward cleared the puck away hence the two of them getting into it which is no big deal, that is hockey. What Walker did was wrong, and to have management condone it is even worse.
wrong
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 17:01 — John_BurnsI thought it was a sucker punch, too, but the more I watch it, the clearer it is that Ward took a swing with his right hand at Walker and missed. Then he took the punch.
you must mean....
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 17:11 — pmarz1......his left....oh, ........no, ......that was the left of Walker coming in from the blindside. Ward does push away from Walker with his right hand but that doesnt even seem to make contact with Walker and if it did , it would have been to Walkers left arm up by the number on his sweater.
So, let me get this straight:
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 16:42 — JumptheSharkIt's okay for DeCock to say that Julien has lost all credibility, but it's not okay for me to say DeCock has no credibility?
I've read enough of DeCock to form my opinion. And my opinion is that he poorly researches his stories, that he injects his own opinion with very little facts to back it up, and that his is a brand of journalitic hackery that must be challenged.
Hey, Petey Prisco is a nationally recognized Football writer, but that doesn't make HIM and authority. He's the biggest hack of them all.
DeCock just said in this blog that Julien lost all credibility, and yet he doesn't really tell us why. He has one fool opinion on a comment Julien made concerning Mo's strategy, and that's enough for DeCock to go on. That, my friend, is your typical pundit hack at work.
L-A-Z-Y...
Can you spell this too?
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 16:53 — scomilS-O-U-R G-R-A-P-E-S...
Keep On Drinking That DeCock Kool-Aid...
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 16:58 — JumptheSharkHey, the thing is, I get to go away when this series is over. You're stuck with him.
Ha. Keep on serving up that Kool-aid, Luke. They're drinking it down there in N.C.
Koolaid?
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 17:38 — scomilNo koolaid. If you can improve your attitude, come and see what we are drinking while tailgaiting prior to games. And sorry, but no Sam Adams during this particular series.
OMG
Mon, 05/11/2009 - 15:18 — RPadiMan the league saw it and ruled our way... but what do we know about Hockey???
I guess a little more than you think my b friends, a little more than you think!