Ference gets a slap on the wrist, Price shunned in Vezina noms

by Kevin van Steendelaar on Apr 22, 2011 7:03 PM EDT in Opinions and other Habs links

So for flipping the bird at the Bell Centre crowd, then having it broadcast across most of North America, Andrew Ference was fined $2500 for his actions. The Boston Bruins defenceman makes $2.25 million a season, far less than pocket change for him, and proves yet again how how seriously flawed the NHL's disciplinary system is.

Ference did make an apology, so that may have granted him some leniency from Colin Campbell's band of cronies. He spoke to the media today and was relieved that he didn't face a suspension.

Based on Ference's comments, the NHL seemed to feel the emotional carry over of the Bruins-Habs rivalry this season, coupled with the playoffs, had an impact on their decision.

"I talked to Mike Murphy (NHL senior vice-president of hockey operations) and explained the same thing that I told you guys (Thursday) night. He said the same thing, that it looks awful obviously. And with this series, the whole year, how it is between the Habs and the Bruins, the fine was acceptable.

"I was pumping my fist," he said. "I'm not giving anybody the bird or anything like that. It was unintentional and I apologize for it. It wasn't meant to insult anybody, especially a whole row of cameras at the Bell Centre and the fans there. It definitely wasn't my intention." - Andrew Ference

Montreal Canadiens fans, and several non-Habs fans will certainly beg to differ. Sorry Andrew, but the finger getting stuck doesn't hold water with most people.

The NHL also announced it's choices for the Vezina Trophy. The Bruins' Tim Thomas, the Vancouver Canucks Roberto Luongo and the Nashville Predators' Pekka Rinne are the finalists.

The Canadiens' Carey Price likely finished in the top-five. Price, known to shrug off individual achievements for a team result, commented briefly on the choice of finalists at Friday's optional skate. "It is what it is. The guys who were nominated really deserve to be there and I’m not going to take anything away from those goaltenders," he said.

Tim Thomas' first car

Arpon Basu on how the Canadiens need to "Cowboy Up"

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You guys do know that $2500 is the most that Ference can be fined under the current CBA right? Not saying that its right, it’s just the way it is

Die By The Blade - Where we've even turned ourselves around since January 1st.

by Zachary Zielonka on Apr 22, 2011 7:17 PM EDT reply actions

I was about to make that very same comment.

Unless they think such a minor thing merits suspension that was the most he was getting.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 22, 2011 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Well aware of the CBA’s guidleines, which goes to show that even the PA does not seem to care how the NHL handles things.

Then again, they wouldn’t want fines too high that players have to dip into their PA dues

Kevin van Steendelaar

http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar

but don't forget...

http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP

by Kevin van Steendelaar on Apr 23, 2011 10:18 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Montreal Canadiens fans, and several non-Habs fans will certainly beg to differ.

The majority of Bruins fans aren’t buying the excuse either and think its a joke that he used such a lame excuse. Own your mistake and just admit that it came in the heat of the moment and shouldn’t have happened. Simple as that.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 22, 2011 7:34 PM EDT reply actions

Honestly I don’t think he should be suspended or even fined for flipping the bird. It’s an intense sport and if borderline hits like what Torres laid on Seabrook are considered fair in the speed and intensity of the sport who cares about a gesture.

However his explanation is so stupid I would suspend him out of spite. Just own up to it. It’s like when you’re little and your parents ask you to own up to something, usually if you’re honest you get a scolding and it’s all good, but if you lie you get punished.

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire

by Andrew Berkshire on Apr 22, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed… the transparent excuse is more deserving of discipline than the action.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 22, 2011 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Could it be that if he admitted it they’d have taken a more punitive approach?

He had a way to get out of it and so they let him take it?

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Fine was right,,,

Ference does lots of charity work for the NHLPA, he is not a thug…I don’t believe that is really his character and this coming from a HABS fan…

The excuse was weak and he apoligized for it…..Really a non-issue….Much more important is to find a why to win 2 out of the next 3….IMO…

by markov94 on Apr 22, 2011 8:48 PM EDT reply actions

For future reference:

Calling a rival’s girlfriend “sloppy seconds”: 8 games

Telling same perpetrator to “blow me”: 2 games

Telling an entire crowd and fans at home to go fuck themselves: A bag of planters

by Robert L on Apr 22, 2011 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

And I’d wager he got reimbursed by his teamates.

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Or the Boston fans…

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions

The fact that it was Avery who Wiz made the gesture to should have only warranted a fine.

Kevin van Steendelaar

http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar

but don't forget...

http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP

by Kevin van Steendelaar on Apr 23, 2011 10:20 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Very true

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Colin Campbell...

reviewed some other cases…
Japan says “Wasn’t us at Pearl Harbor”, Colie says that’s good enough for him,
Charlie Manson says “I’m innocent”, Campbell takes him at his word,
Zdeno Chara says, “HeHeHe”, Colin Campbell is satisfied.
Fox asks “Can I get that hen-house job?” Thumbs up from Colin
Mike Murphy asks, “Your shoes shiny enough Mr. Campbell?”

Nothing Is Fool proof if you have the right fools.

by GiantsCauseway on Apr 23, 2011 7:05 AM EDT reply actions

apan says "Wasn’t us at Pearl Harbor",

Campbell must have taken Bluto’s speech in Animal House seriously.

Kevin van Steendelaar

http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar

but don't forget...

http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP

by Kevin van Steendelaar on Apr 23, 2011 10:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Man, I bet Paille wishes that shirt was true.

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

As opposed to Chara who knows it’s true?

Why can’t Bruin fans just shut up and acknowledge it is absurd that the head of discipline has a son in the league? Topped off with a string of e-mails proving this bias.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 11:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Most Bruins fan agree that it is absurd that Campbell is the head of discipline while his son plays in that league. Think every hockey fan thinks as much!

However, just because there is an obvious conflict of interest doesn’t mean it actually benefits his sons team. Just look at Paille and Booth as two glaring examples.

And if you recall, those emails proving his lack of bias worked AGAINST a Boston player and teammate of his son!

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Savard certainly never got a beneft from it, and you’d suppose they’d have drawn and quarterd Cooke if it was so blatent to help Greg.

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Campbell was on the Panthers with the initial Savard hit AND Colin Campbell was pretty much nailed for having a bias against Savard.

I can’t stand Campbell because not only does he have a conflict of interest, but his rulings are ridiculously inconsistent and totally lacking or following of precedent.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 12:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

No arguing with those… but he certainly hasn’t favored the Bruins over the years… or his sons team.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions

That is a matter of perspective I guess.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 2:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

So he helped his sons team by punishing Richards for the hit on Booth?
He helped his sons team by suspending Brad Marchand?
He helped his sons team by suspending Danny Paille?
He helped his sons team by not suspending Patrick Hornqvist?

He helped the Bruins by suspending Scott Walker for the sucker punch?
He helped the Bruins by suspending Matt Cooke?
He helped the Bruins by suspending Randy Jones for a whopping two games?
He helped the Bruins by suspending Hartnell a whopping two games?
He helped the Bruins by suspending Lucic for a playoff game?

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Hence the word “perspective”.

If I thought Marchand should have received 5 games, 2 games is not enough. If I thought Chara should have received 3 games, zero is not enough.

Is that difficult to understand? I don’t view the game like you, nor does Robert, Kevin or Andrew. Leaf fans don’t view it like you either. I thought perspective was fairly clear and obvious.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Point being there is plenty of factual evidence to support the claim that Campbell does not favor the Bruins or his sons team. There is zero factual evidence to the contrary.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Those aren’t facts. They are “your” interpretation of what is fair.

Marchand gets two game and you list this as proof. Hartnell/Jones gets 2 games and you list this as proof the other way.

Cooke is irrelevant because Campbell was on the Panthers at the time. Jesus Christ, Chara got nothing and you would probably use this as proof.

Bringing us back to perspective. These aren’t facts, they are your view of what the facts should be based on your perception of each individual event. Ones that don’t coincide with mine, making the discussion ridiculous and unwinnable.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

So what is truth then?

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t care what the truth is. All I know is he embarrassed himself and the league with his e-mail scandal, he showed his emotion and bias and he offers up zero blueprint or precedent for future rulings.

I would prefer somebody with consistent rationale and no obvious bias. I don’t think that is too much to ask.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

The that a tree hugging hipster like Ference is what finally breaks your back on this matter is utterly amazing though.

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

*The fact that

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed on all counts.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Could have busted Cooke’s balls retroactive, if he’s THAT obsessed on such matters.

Perhaps whole playoffs instead of just this first round.

Tampa is killing them today, on the aside!

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn’t say he was obsessed, he is biased and inconsistent and that opens the door for him breaking precedent on every ruling.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 2:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Price not getting nominated is just further proof of how the media handles awards today.

It isn’t a coincidence that the top 3 SV% leaders are: Thomas, Rinne and…….Luongo.

It is how they determine the awards in the NHL. The Hart will be the top 3 scorers as well.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 11:14 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

But it’s the GM who vote for the Vezina.

by Robert L on Apr 23, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

The Vezina goes to the goalie adjudged to be the best at his position… not the most valuable. As such, statistics should factor into matters and save percentage is the most important goalie statistic.

Hart is tough because value is such a subjective measure but best? Not so much.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Then the GMs are just as clueless. It is why they give guys like Manny Fernandez and Pascal Leclaire big contracts.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 12:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Freedom of religion Chris.

If they decide not to worship at the Altar of Price, it’s their call.

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

It has nothing to do with that, it is based on looking at the last decade and the over reliance on making their decisions based on one of the most flawed stats in sports.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 12:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Save percentage is one of the most flawed stats? Its worse than +/- now?

And if you don’t like save percentage, what goalie stat do you like?

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

SV% is a team stat. It is influenced by system and strength of team.

It isn’t a fluke that every team that Jacques Lemaire coaches has a goaltender in the top 5. Same with Hitchcock, Burns, Sutter etc.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 1:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Repeat: What goalie stat do you like if not save percentage?

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I base my opinion on more than just stats. Basing it on SV% alone is half the picture.

I evaluate a goaltender on technique, athleticism, competitiveness, shot charts AND save percentage. So I watch them, this allows me to have fairly good success in predicting future outcomes.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 2:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Must make a pretty penny with your predictions.

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Meh. Not here to impress you.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Oooo, high roller, eh?

by 13_Legion on Apr 23, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Poke, prod, irritate, poke, prod, irritate.

Rinse and repeat.

You are witty, Bruins rule. I eagerly await your next witty comment.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

The fact that you get so agitated so easily is half the fun to be absolutely honest.

by 13_Legion on Apr 24, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

And thats why Minnesota had a top 5 save percentage goalie twice in the last five seasons Lemaire was there.

And thats why Columbus never had a top 10 save percentage goalie the past 4 seasons while Hitchcock was there.

And thats why NJ/Calgary never had a top 5 save percentage goalie over the past 4 seasons when Sutter coached them.

Care to try again?

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Lemaire had a top 10 goaltender in SV% in 7 of the last 9 seasons. Using 30 + games played. If you bump it up to starter minutes it gets even higher.

You have chose to nitpick and use top 5, a statement I used to accentuate a point instead of addressing the point of SV% being flawed and susceptible to team influence.

This is not based on biased opinion. It is built on in depth study, not just from me. BEhind the NEt hockey looked at the Minnesota effect and came to a similar conclusion.

http://www.puckprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=247&mode=print

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I nitpicked by using your words? Sorry, guess I should take everything you say as hyperbole?

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

So Jacques Lemaire doesn’t influence defense because I said top 5 and not top 10? Is that what your “words” are saying, or are you saying something else?

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m saying that you made a claim that I easily debunked. Had you meant top-ten in save percentage you should have said as much. Can’t really criticize me for taking you to mean what you write in a literal sense.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

FYI… EVERY stat is influenced by team performance and strategy. No statistic exists in a vacuum.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

No shit. This is not baseball, but how you think that the shots Thomas faced and the ones Vokoun faced should be used as a direct comparable is beyond me.

by Chris Boyle on Apr 23, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Umm… stats in baseball are also largely team dependent as well…

And I don’t know about you but I don’t have the time to watch some 1000 NHL games to assess all of the leagues goalies. As such, I use the statistics available to me and save percentage is one of the primary ones in assessing a goalie along with GAA.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Apr 23, 2011 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions