The NHL's new hard-line stance on message-sending and late-game fisticuffs seems to have lasted, oh, about two weeks. Late in the third period of Pittsburgh's 7-4 win on Thursday, Carolina's Ryan Bayda was involved in a line brawl of sorts that featured Bayda delivering what appeared to be a cross-check to the face of Kris Letang.
In the end, Miroslav Satan fought Patrick Eaves, Tim Gleason fought Letang, and Bayda was issued a match penalty for intent to injure. By rule, Bayda was immediately suspended from further competition pending a league review. That review has taken place, and Bayda walks away with a $2,500 fine and no suspension.
After some late-game fisticuffs on Tuesday, the Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks are set to take part in a one-and-done Game 7 at Joe Louis Arena, in a contest that has to be more entertaining -- from a competitive standpoint -- than what we saw on Wednesday in Washington. Depending on who you ask, the line brawl in the closing minutes of Game 6 could be a rallying cry for the Red Wings.
Anaheim vs. Detroit, 7 PM ET | series tied, 3-3 Carolina vs. Boston, 8 PM ET | Game 7 Preview | Where on TV?
After struggling on Sunday, Marc-Andre Fleury rebounded with a sensational performance on Tuesday night, stopping 44-of-45 shots in Pittsburgh's 3-1 against Philadelphia in game 4 of its Eastern Conference Quarterfinal.
No question about it, the Penguins' 24-year-old netminder was their best player, standing on his head much of the game, giving them an opportunity to win. The Flyers were consistently swarming the front of the net -- and firing shots from every possible angle on each of their eight power plays -- as Fleury was there every single time to make the stops.
On Thursday, the NHL suspended Flyers forward Daniel Carcillo for his actions in the closing seconds of Pittsburgh's 4-1 win on Wednesday night. It was part of a somewhat embarrassing end to the game, as the Flyers racked up 23 penalty minutes in just 19 seconds.
Carcillo admitted that the official dropping the puck warned him not to try anything.
As we mentioned on Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Flyers turned the final 19 seconds of their 4-1 loss in Pittsburgh into a parade of penalties. One play that was overlooked by the on-ice officiating crew was Daniel Carcillo giving Penguins forward Max Talbot a little shot to the head with what appeared to be his stick or elbow (there's no video floating around the web as of now).
While the officials during the game may have missed it, the suits in the NHL offices certainly did not. As a result, Carcillo is being summoned to the principal's office at 3 PM ET, Thursday, to discuss the play in question.
For about three years now, tin foil hat wearing, conspiracy theorist hockey fans have been living under the delusion that the Penguins have commissioner Gary Bettman, and the league's officials, in their back pockets. It's all part of a diabolical scheme designed to push the Penguins into the postseason, or so I've read.
We're in the home stretch of the NHL season, and both conference playoff races are heating up as the standings change on a daily basis. The Eastern Conference has seven teams separated by just seven points in the No's 4 through 10 spots, while everybody except Phoenix and Colorado is still competing for a playoff spot in the West.
In an effort to improve their fighting ability and all out toughness, the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired Daniel Carcillo from the Phoenix Coyotes for Scottie Upshall and a second-round draft pick. This seems like quite a bit to give up for a goon -- and not a particularly bright one on the ice, might I add.
Upshall has been a disappointment since being selected sixth overall by the Nashville Predators in 2002, scoring more than 10 goals in a season one time.
As my colleague Adam Gretz pointed out earlier today, the fight between Nick Zherdev and Steven Stamkos was a pleasant surprise. Not only did we see two guys the hockey world would have never thought would ever drop the gloves, they also provided us with a very entertaining bout. Bravo.
Here's one hockey fight left over from the weekend that I thought was worth revisiting. It comes from last Saturday night when Daniel Carcillo of the Coyotes fought the notorious Steve Ott of the Dallas Stars in Phoenix.
For most of the fight things look pretty even, but at the 33 second mark, Carcillo lets go with what I can only term a sneaky left hand that Ott wasn't ready for. I'm guessing it was that left hook that convinced the voters at Hockeyfights.com to give Carcillo the decision.
The NHL's new hard-line stance on message-sending and late-game fisticuffs seems to have lasted, oh, about two weeks. Late in the third period of Pittsburgh's 7-4 win on Thursday, Carolina's Ryan Bayda was involved in a line brawl of sorts that featured Bayda delivering what appeared to be a cross-check to the face of Kris Letang. 
On Thursday, the NHL suspended Flyers forward 
As we mentioned on Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Flyers turned the final 19 seconds of their 4-1 loss in Pittsburgh 
In an effort to improve their fighting ability and all out toughness, the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired 
