Friday Night Links as we prepare for Habs-Bruins Game Two

But running a player without the puck face first into a stanchion is, right?

You were the one who brough up Richard’s name, not us.

Most reports have Richard tomahawking in retaliation as well.

The CBC had nothing to do with it, all at. The game wasn’t televised, there is no film of the incidents, and little photo evidence. There were several testimonies from witnesses and the league considered only those of the game officials, which contradicted much of what was otherwise reported. In fact, the three working the game initially all had different versions of what took place.

I don’t believe that Laycoe was positioning himself to fight the Rocket. Laycoe barely ever fought, and furthermore, he wore glasses. I doubt he was set to challenge one of the best fighters in the game. There were also some reports saying his glasses had been knocked off and that the first player at Laycoe was not Richard.

It has never been established that Laycoe was called for high-sticking on the play. There has always been debate on that point. After the fact, he was assessed a five minute major and a game. There have also been uncomfirmed reports that Laycoe swung a stick himself at some point, but other reports have contradicited that as well.

I don’t get where you think I’m sugarcoating. The Rocket was in no way justified in his actions and was absolutely in the wrong in every single step of the incident. He had his reasons for acting as he did, that’s about all I can say based on all I’ve read. I should also point out that I’ve never seen the Rocket movie, and the version of events represented in it. I have issues with how Habs history has been represented over time, and I will not subscribe to a one-sided viewpoint of an incident I did not see with my own eyes.

Thompson got up after being knocked into the boards, and managed to finally restrain Richard.

Whether Laycoe intentionally swung his stick to hit Richard is also in question, as both players were racing for a possible icing. Laycoe later said that Richard’s stick hit him first, but later testimony refutes that.

It was only after the delayed penalty that Richard noticed the blood on his head, and his temper got the best of him.

One other thing I question is if Richard was actually held by an official as Laycoe hit him. I read Dick Irvin’s comments in the days after, and he never mentions that part of it, and .

http://www.yathehabsrule.com/2010/03/march-13-1955-dawn-of-richard-riot.html