If you can't beat 'em on the ice, then beat 'em in the alley

I just got back from work and got a chance to see the replay of Jamie McLennan going berserk. I must say such a stupid play couldn't have come from a more unlikely source. I've always thought off 'Noodles' as one of the more laid back players in the game, but I guess he's got quite a mean streak as well. I watched the first two periods of the game, before leaving in disgust to go into work. The first I heard of the McLennan slash was in the box score that moved on the wire. At first I though it must have been a mistake. How does a player get a minor slashing penalty, a major slashing penalty, a game misconduct and a match penalty on the same play, without anyone else gettingpenalized? Usually when something that crazy happens fights break out all over the place.

My next thought, without seeing the play or what led up to it, was the Flames were pissed off about something and sent McLennan out there to get revenge, figuring if he got suspended it wouldn't be the end of the world.

My next bit of info came courtesy of the Associated Press story which implied McLennan's attack was on the same scale of the Chris Simon slash to the head late in the season. Uponfurther review, I believe that McLennan's attack wasn't as malicious as Simon's. But I still think he should get a hefty suspension.

What does this mean for the Flames? In terms of a pure hockey impact not much. We all knew they'd be done if Kiprusoff ever got hurt. That doesn't change if it's McLennan on the bench or if it's Curtis McElhinney, Brent Krahn or even Leland Irving.

On the other hand it's pretty embarassing to be a Flames fan today. The only bright spot is the season didn't end on that note. Calgary has a chance to redeem themselves today. After Saturday's performance a win is not the most important thing any more,
playing with class is.