In his (slight) defense, Raitis was done after the metal plates went in. he was never a great enforcer to begin with, but after the surgery, he fought (rarely at the right times nor often enough) not to lose.
Grimson was the best guy in the last while, and although Matt Johnson was a monster, he wasnt much else. Grimson was a true enforcer, and at last year's Hockeyfest it was quite interesting to hear him talk about really not liking his role, but knowing he had to do what was expected of him of he wanted to saty in the NHL. To me, that exemplifies a team player mentality not to mention courage, and/or bravery. Not really wanting to fight, but doing his "job" notwithstanding.
Maybe I just like the guy because he's now a practicing lawyer, in Nashville (or somewhere there abouts).
P.S. Just watched the second fight, and Ratboy got tagged with a couple even before the KO punch. Think he was dazed and confused. He also never got the tie-up on MacIntrye's right arm, and it cost him. Ouch. Thats a job I certainly don't want, NHL spot notwithstanding.
Last edited by DIEHARD the King fan: 10-08-2010 at 10:29 AM.
he just got hit sqaure on the chin...he will be fine....he was just in LA LA land for a few minutes, but probably could have gone again 20 minutes later....
That being said, gosh am i happy i dont need to watch him take anymore stupid offensive zone penalties anymore...
Man, what a tough job. And you have to show nothing but respect for a player who is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of his team. Raitis even tried to get up on his own will. Even though he isn't very well liked around these parts, you can't wish any ill will towards a player who is trying to make a living. Hope he makes a speedy recovery.
What a dumb thing to say. Sorry, but he'll be back next game. Why don't you say this stuff to his face if you ever see him?
Well.... i did in London.
I met him in O2 Arena and he was open to a small talk.
Sure i was more polite, but in general it was the same stuff.
His answer was even polite and he told me that he is doing what he can and he
really tries to improve his skating and as long as a NHL team offers him a contract
he will play NHL hockey.
Don't get me wrong here..............
I really respect the person Raitis Ivanans but the Player Ivanans is a complete different story.
Same with Stoll......... he is a nice human being but the player Stoll doesn't fit the
Los Angeles Kings
Well.... i did in London.
I met him in O2 Arena and he was open to a small talk.
Sure i was more polite, but in general it was the same stuff.
His answer was even polite and he told me that he is doing what he can and he
really tries to improve his skating and as long as a NHL team offers him a contract
he will play NHL hockey.
Don't get me wrong here..............
I really respect the person Raitis Ivanans but the Player Ivanans is a complete different story.
Same with Stoll......... he is a nice human being but the player Stoll doesn't fit the
Los Angeles Kings
I think he is 100% spot on here, he agrees that fighting has a part in hockey but that fights like this should not.
The Simmonds fight in Boston last year is fine, defending a teammate in the heat of the moment, that is when fighting is expected and acceptable.
The two worst players on each team having what is surely a premeditated fight in a 4-0 game serves zero purpose and eventually something really bad is going to happen, and already has happened at lower levels.
it was a totally unnecessary fight. what exactly did the oilers accomplish in proving their tough guy was tougher? is mcintyre going to go KO Iginla when he lays a big hit?
it was a totally unnecessary fight. what exactly did the oilers accomplish in proving their tough guy was tougher? is mcintyre going to go KO Iginla when he lays a big hit?
So starting the fight was a one sided decision? The two had had fought just a couple days earlier in the pre-season and it was fairly even matched, they were obviously going to go again that's what heavyweights do. I don't necessarily agree with fights like that either but your statement seems very odd.
So starting the fight was a one sided decision? The two had had fought just a couple days earlier in the pre-season and it was fairly even matched, they were obviously going to go again that's what heavyweights do. I don't necessarily agree with fights like that either but your statement seems very odd.
Absolutely nothing. I was responding to your statement of "what did the Oilers prove", these fights are meaningless but the blame doesn't lie with any one team.
Absolutely nothing. I was responding to your statement of "what did the Oilers prove", these fights are meaningless but the blame doesn't lie with any one team.
my point was not that the team was trying to prove something, but that it benefited nothing from their player "doing his job." the goon role in today's game is pointless...their function is pointless, as this unfortunate example perfectly illustrates....
The fight accomplished...intimidation. Every fight has different circumstances, but this one was basically to let the other team know about who they are messing with. It also helps with the locker room camaraderie.
It may be pointless to you, but I've seen too many soft Kings teams that just didn't show any emotion over getting their ass beat on the ice. They just laid down and displayed their loser mentality. I am glad DL is our GM, that mentality is getting turned around by him.
my point was not that the team was trying to prove something, but that it benefited nothing from their player "doing his job." the goon role in today's game is pointless...their function is pointless, as this unfortunate example perfectly illustrates....
That's my bad then, I misunderstood your original post.
Johnson had problems with the role, one of the reasons he retired very early. He was very young as a King enforcer, 18 years old...his best years were as the Wild Enforcer.
Johnson had problems with the role, one of the reasons he retired very early. He was very young as a King enforcer, 18 years old...his best years were as the Wild Enforcer.
