Lost in the fallout of the Steve Downie suspension-too much, not enough, just about right-is the fact the NHL may finally be getting it right.
Like you, I won't hold my breath. But, if nothing else, it is a start.
Trust me, for an outfit that kicks off its regular season one afternoon and continues with exhibition games over the next two nights, the 20 games levied on Downie has to be seen as progress.
This isn't about comparing head shots to stick attacks to DUI charges. It is about a league that just can't seem to walk and chew gum at the same time when it comes to laying down the law.
To wit, Downie's bonehead hit, while vicious, is almost as flagrant as Chris Simon's tomahawking of Ryan Hollweg? Apparently so, considering Simon was tagged with an extra five games and - get this - allowed to muck it up with the Rangers in the pre-season.
Geniuses at work, those NHL suits.
Just last spring, Chris Pronger gets one game for opening up Tomas Holmstrom and nothing for a cheap shot on Dean McAmmond days later.
Never mind the six months in jail for Mark Bell. In their collective wisdom, Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman tack on a 15 game suspension. I guess Dany Heatley pleading guilty to second degree vehicular homicide is considered acceptable behavior. Didn't see any suspension with Jay Bouwmeester's conviction. Can't recall Campbell getting involved with the Staal brothers incident.
Does the NHL decide on suspensions at closing time down at the local watering hole? Or is it strictly a flip of the coin?
Whatever the modus operandi, it doesn't seem to be working. Until now.
Finally, they may be on to something. Kick ‘em when they're down and do not let them up.
If nothing else, the league has a running start with Downie. Let's see if they can keep up the pace.