For those complaining about WJC showboating...

Have you ever seen an NFL or NBA game? Now that's showboating and is completely tolerable in those sports. The difference is those sports actually have viewers. Maybe hockey needs more showboating. :dunno:

Yeah

the dancing and showboating in the NFL is a joke, it looks so rediculus i don't even know where to begin. i mean the dancing...good crap, do those guys actually think they look cool or something? wtf

Although I understand what you're saying, I think theres a difference between doing a celebration dance and directly taunting the crowd or opposing team. As a hockey fan, I take pride in the fact that most hockey players know how to conduct themselves and show a certain sense of sportsmanship. Just because athletes in other sports often showboat doesn't mean I want hockey players to stoop down to their level.

I don't like the showboating neither, but you know what? If the player just got my favourite a touchdown, a 3 pointer, scored a big goal in the hockey game, then let him do whatever he wants, I really don't care..

This is democracy, these guys should be able to do whatever they want as long as it's within the rules, and if you don't like it, it doesn't give you a right to go and kick their arse..

what does democracy have to do with anything? pro sports aren't run like a democracy.

I dunno, When say Sellane used to shoot out the lights that was kinda cool, but going over to the other teams bench and waving your hand in their faces is just a little different.

Without displays and examples of poor sportsmanship, then we wouldn't have any standard for defining good sportsmanship either. There have always been pests and showboaters in the game, there always will be, and it just puts the class acts in an even better light.

Does anyone else think that (Shirokov aside) the whole thing was instigated by the Pat O'Sullivan highstick? IMO that was a pretty blatent cheapshot. They didin't overly do that against other teams and its just out of character for guys like Malkin and AO.

I don't like the showboating neither, but you know what? If the player just got my favourite a touchdown, a 3 pointer, scored a big goal in the hockey game, then let him do whatever he wants, I really don't care..

This is democracy, these guys should be able to do whatever they want as long as it's within the rules, and if you don't like it, it doesn't give you a right to go and kick their arse..

I can't wait until these Russians get to the NHL, Hatchet and co, will straighten their showboating out really quick

I'm going to post here my answer to Geki, since I didn't have time to do that in US vs. Russia thread. It was closed when it was just getting civilized, imo.

I am of the school that taunting and the like should be penalized as unsportsman-like conduct because it's exactly what it is.

Ok. Then I can understand you, and to some extent even agree with you, though I often find stuff like taunts and showboating entertaining. Taunting can be done in so many different ways. It can be insulting but it can also be good clean fun. I don't like players that go "I'm gonna ****ing kill you!" or "Your mother is a *****!" or something moronic like that, but I like the players that are not so serious about it. I think it would be too harsh to penalize every little gesture that could be considered unsportmanlike conduct. The game shouldn't be taken too seriously.

In all honesty I think the league is afraid to to officially put a penalty on the issue because of the success of the NBA and NFL. I'd hate to see the league move in that direction... it's the reason I stopped watching them (NFL, NBA).

I can't really say much about these leagues, since I don't follow basketball or american football and they don't show them in Finland anyway. But from the little I've seen and heard (and usually off court things), at least those basketball players seem very arrogant. I wouldn't like to see that in hockey, I agree.

what does democracy have to do with anything? pro sports aren't run like a democracy.

so show me where it says that a player can't taunt after scoring a goal, because I can show you where it says that it's against the rules to hit the player from behind or high stick him in the face

I can't wait until these Russians get to the NHL, Hatchet and co, will straighten their showboating out really quick

That's the spirit. Once they get to the NHL they can get the Bertuzzi treatment, now that's sportsmanship at its finest.

That's the spirit. Once they get to the NHL they can get the Bertuzzi treatment, now that's sportsmanship at its finest.

a little blood doesn't hurt anybody ... its the fact that they have the audacity to showboat on EMPTY ******* NET GOALS, I can live with Shirokov after putting his team ahead 3-2, but for ***** sake save the showboating for your own team...celebrate after the goal and with your team ... don't ******* taunt your opponent right after you score an EN Goal :shakehead

so show me where it says that a player can't taunt after scoring a goal, because I can show you where it says that it's against the rules to hit the player from behind or high stick him in the face

There is also an unwritten code about taunting the other teams bench, or even just celbrating a goal in front of it. If you do it, your asking for trouble. That may not exist in russia, but it has always existed in the north american game.

There's a big difference between showboating and mocking the opposition.

Without talking about this game(everybody has a different story), there's nothing wrong with celebrating after a goal.

That has nothing to do with sportsmanship.

Throwing a banana on the ice when a black player is on the ice, making fun of the other team, laughing in their face, or any other act is not appropriate. It is not accepted in football. You rarely see those acts. You rarely see players laughing or mocking the other team. T.O. did it when he did a celebration that was identical to another player.

I personally like when they're excited to score, it shows that they are emotional.

it has always existed in the north american game.

Therefore taunting has always existed. So why get rid of it? If the NHL isn't willing to change to get more viewers why would they change something that would eliminate viewers?

so show me where it says that a player can't taunt after scoring a goal, because I can show you where it says that it's against the rules to hit the player from behind or high stick him in the face

that still has absolutely nothing to do with democracy

Therefore taunting has always existed. So why get rid of it? If the NHL isn't willing to change to get more viewers why would they change something that would eliminate viewers?

I never said get rid of it. Just dont be upset when the opposing team comes out looking to hurt you after the fact. It has always been against the basic ethics of the game and has been dealt with accordingly by the players.

My point is there have alwasy been poor sportsmanship, and thats why players take exception to it, along with their fans. So why are there people suprised that the US fans are upset over this. And why are russian fans suprised that the us tried to retaliate. If the samething happens in another game, I guarantee you would get the same response with different teams on the ice, and from their fans.

Showboating is good as long as it doesn't get out of hand. Its entertaining. So what if its bad sportsmanship. Every sport has it. I don't mind a guy who has just scored who say celebtrates to the other teams fans. Heh its sport.

An interesting topic. For what it may be worth, my take would be that it is entirely natural to want to celebrate a goal in hockey, or a TD or whatever, and some players are more emotional than others. For those of us old enough to remember, the knock on the Soviet teams of the 70's is that they were "Red Army machines" who played without the emotion we were used to over here. Obviously, that has changed.

But to get into taunting and mixing it up with the crowd is both bush league and immature - and not particularly effective (against a mature opponent). It takes the sport and turns it into a World Wrestling clone (and yes, I know lots of North Americans choose to watch the wrestling crap, and there are probably three of them that actually think it is "sport"). This sort of crap can and should be controlled.

And if it is not controlled by the officials, the player who is taunted is likely to respond - so you end up with the out of control melees that do so much to cement hockey as an "extreme sport" - driving far more potential viewers away than you will ever gain.

Anyone who has played hockey knows that you do not taunt the opposing team or fans. I remember when I was a kid and I did that, my coach benched me, and the rest of my teammates told me to show some class. After the game, my dad was really upset at me. It was a great learning experience; I learned how to be a good sport and take the high ground. Now, whenever I'm playing in a beer league, and I see a guy taunt our team, it really bothers me to know grown men are acting like this. Last nite, we saw 18-20 year olds, who are on the verge of being professionals/role models, acting like spoiled brats. It's not only a poor reflection on their team, but it also takes away from their spectacular play in many viewers' eyes, especially since the game was over and both Malkin and Ovechkin knew they weren't going to be on the ice in the final 2 minutes.

The taunting was classless. The Russian children were acting exactly as that. the US kids played a tough game. There plan was to come out and play a tough game. They followed through with it. This is hockey not badmitten, so rough play is acceptable. AO acted like a soccer player, this isnt soccer. The debate remains who is the better team. Both teams won one game, so that isnt an issue with me. I just wish these 2 teams could play again. The rivarly would be awesome but most of these kids will meet again in the NHL or some other league and I would love to see the day that AO and Ryan Suter take the ice again against each other.

We Canadians have a distorted view on the world of sports. The butt of our problem is the “voice “of Canada , la grand moron, as Don Cherry, who is regularly lambasting players as Sidney Crosby for exact same thing, Ovechkin was doing. Nothing wrong to have some fun. Nothing wrong with showboating, if you are talented enough and you just scored a big one. May be hockey will be popular in US again and we will have a TV contract, which worth something.

What I will never understand, that we Canadians have no class in losing. It started long time ago, since the rugby association of Ontario and Silver Seven, winning the Stanley for three years in a row and being smacked for it. Then came Broad street bullies, TML goon squad playing terrible hockey for decades, summit of 1972 and Bobby Clark baseball swings, crashing the ankle of arguably the best hockey player ever, to put the pair of skates on. The only descent sportsman lake team was Montreal, the rest of the NHL was just six pack of Molson brew/ goon league and for a very long time.
All those juniors are just sucking on Don’s wisdom and watching Bertuzzi almost killing an opponent over a puck, take a notice and make their WHL and OHL games, just like a freak gladiators shows. Where the biggest guy on a team, would just run over the ice, punching anyone on his way. It happened many times. It is disgusting, and it is the most deplorable to watch and now this Canadian goon disease have spread to Americans, majority of whom play with those Canadian high school drop outs. Who have mash instead of brains.

I've said it before here and will say it again......i'm not a fan of it in hockey but it is going to happen with some players or teams from time to time.My problem was when they pulled this stuff off with the qmjhl all-stars there were quite a few posters telling fans up here not to get in a twist about it(even having avatars with the guy with the finger to his mouth) Now when they pull it on their team,those same fans cry foul and are angry as heck and want blood and of course it turns into a war and the thread gets closed down.But a few weeks ago the taunting was all just a bunch of kicks and used as fodder for getting fans here riled up.That changes real quick when that crap gets pulled on them however.Just a reminder to U.S and Canadian hockey fans that it is not part of our hockey culture and for good reason and we should stick together solid on this one...we don't play like that and should'nt. We may see more of it tommorow but it will be if they are able to do it at the end of the third period that tells the story.If they lose you won't see any "shhhhing" at all. I think it's bad karma for them. If you really wanna show me what you are made of then go out and score ten goals against us,i respect that a lot more.

I never thought Id say this.....

Go Canada :)

I never thought Id say this.....

Go Canada :)
LOL :lol Showboating can do that to a person

Didn't Memorial Cup players do the same 'leap' when they scored?

I can't wait until these Russians get to the NHL, Hatchet and co, will straighten their showboating out really quick


you mean like they straightened out Kovalchuk right?

It's a little bit different.. They are not taunting the fans directly

comes out looking to hurt you after the fact. It has always been against the basic ethics of the game and has been dealt with accordingly by the players.

Looking to hurt someone in a situation like that is definitely against ANY basic ethics. That's frontier justice of the worst kind, goons on the loose.

Based on what I read (couldn't watch the game), the Russians acted real stupid. However, that is nowhere close to a good enough reason to try and deliberately injure someone. At least in the civilized world...

Looking to hurt someone in a situation like that is definitely against ANY basic ethics. That's frontier justice of the worst kind, goons on the loose.

Based on what I read (couldn't watch the game), the Russians acted real stupid. However, that is nowhere close to a good enough reason to try and deliberately injure someone. At least in the civilized world...


I thought that was good ole Bob Clarke Canadien hockey

The way I see it...the crowd can taunght the players...why can't the players taunt back ????

Anyone got an explanation??

most of these kids will meet again in the NHL or some other league and I would love to see the day that AO and Ryan Suter take the ice again against each other.

I was thinking the same thing when at the end of the game the camera zoomed in on Suter staring nails at the Russians. Unfortunately, while memories are long in hockey, I don't know if they are THAT long.

Did anyone else read lips when Fritsche and that Russian coach were jawing at each other? That was hilarious! The Russian pointed at the scoreboard and then appeared to say "truck you". Fritsche said something back, then the Russian started making kissing faces at him to which it appeared Fritsche called him a "Saggot" (possibly a "Full House" reference). :lol

Too bad Glazachev wasn't playing, he would have fit right in.

The way I see it...the crowd can taunght the players...why can't the players taunt back ????

Anyone got an explanation??

I think the players should focus on playing hockey, not on the fans.

Although I understand what you're saying, I think theres a difference between doing a celebration dance and directly taunting the crowd or opposing team. As a hockey fan, I take pride in the fact that most hockey players know how to conduct themselves and show a certain sense of sportsmanship. Just because athletes in other sports often showboat doesn't mean I want hockey players to stoop down to their level.

Sportsmanship goes beyond how you celebrate a HR, Goal, TD, dunk. It also is the way your play the game.

Sure, for the most part hockey players are respectable after they score a goal. However, that same sportsmanship is gone with things such as face washes and head locks during scrums after the whistle, using your stick to whack another player, shoving players after the whistle, etc.

In football, you see defensive players helping up the offensive player after a routine tackle. In cases where the tackle prevents a first down, or is a really big hit, the defender will get up and be pumped up about it. I don't have a problem with that. The one thing about football that I do like is that even if a game is out of hand, there really isn't any liberties taken in respect to a DL or a LB taking an obvious late hit on the QB. There's no "Sending a Message" involved.

Again, in terms of what Malkin did, I think it's also important to take into account that he was slashed pretty good by Suter when he fired the puck into the EN. Suter did get a penalty for that and with 1:10 left in the game down 3 goals, it was a slash that really wasn't necessary to dish out.

The way I see it...the crowd can taunght the players...why can't the players taunt back ????

Anyone got an explanation??
That's okay reasoning, I guess. The issue most have is that the players should put themselves a notch or two above the drunks in the stands.

As for the NFL, some endzone celebrations have been fined. Owens was fined last year for the Sharpee thing and the cell-phone guys was fined too. I think those were primarily for bringing objects onto the field.

Taunting is another story. If the referees in an NFL game see a player taunt an opposing player or the opposing bench the offending team is given an automatic 15 yard penalty, which anyone who knows football would say is a stiff penalty, probably on par with a double minor in hockey. In the NBA the refs can slap a player who taunts with a technical foul that contributes to their total fouls and can end up taking them out of a game alltogether.

So really the premise of this post makes no sense to me. Don't try to justify taunting by using fake examples. Football and basketball DO NOT tolerate taunting because they want to maintain some semblence of class and sportsmanship.

I think what Ovechkin did was tacky, but I can understand. His goal probably sealed the victory for the Russians and he was excited and celebrated with his teammates.

Malkin on the other hand was a complete embarrassment. That kind of crap has no place in any sport. The NFL and NBA recognize that taunting is bush league and classless. I guess the IIHF doesn't have a problem with it? Maybe they don't think an amature competition needs to have the same standards as professional sports. Hockey in general (including the NHL) should probably put a rule in place that severely punishes taunting. Maybe a double minor would suffice.

Have you ever seen an NFL or NBA game? Now that's showboating and is completely tolerable in those sports. The difference is those sports actually have viewers. Maybe hockey needs more showboating. :dunno:

Showboating is tolerable in hockey as well (though to a point). Taunting, however, is NOT tolerated in the NFL or NBA, and it sure as hell isn't tolerated in hockey, so I really don't know what your point is.

I was thinking the same thing when at the end of the game the camera zoomed in on Suter staring nails at the Russians. Unfortunately, while memories are long in hockey, I don't know if they are THAT long.


All I can say is Jack Johnson. Just wait till he has a chance to skate against the Russians. He plays hard and hits even harder. I have no doubt in my mind that next year, whoever the coach of the team is, will bring up this game.

The Ovechkin thing wasn't really showboating, but really just celebrating with his team, nothing wrong with that.

The Malking thing was completely classless

so show me where it says that a player can't taunt after scoring a goal, because I can show you where it says that it's against the rules to hit the player from behind or high stick him in the face

Its called unsportsmanlike conduct, you can receive a two minute minor or a ten minute misconduct.

The way I see it...the crowd can taunght the players...why can't the players taunt back ????

Anyone got an explanation??

Yes. The fans pay money to go to games. We shell out their cash, we pay the salaries for the players (either directly, or through media revenues).

The fan has bought the right the yell, scream, support their team, whatever. The player is there to do a job, and should take a professional attitude.

Yes, there are some things a fan should know enough to leave alone - racial epithets, for one. Wasn't there a basketball player a few years ago who went into the crowd when some fans started taunting him about his recently-deceased daughter? (I'm working from memory here.) I can't fault a guy for losing control with something like that.

And of course a player has a right to defend himself if a fan is stupid enough to get physical. Throwing beer on people is begging to be hit.

But other than that, the athlete's a performer, he's there to do a job. He doesn't have to be emotionless and robotic, but antagonizing the paying customers is, to my mind, just childish. It's big-time wrestling crap. There's a little of it in almost every sport, but that doesn' mean we have to like it. Apparently some people do. But some of us don't. DIffr'nt stokes for diffr'nt folks .....

Yes. The fans pay money to go to games. We shell out their cash, we pay the salaries for the players (either directly, or through media revenues).

And for that cash the fans receive the right to hate the teams and the players. The kids are just giving something back for the fans for their money here. Everyone's happy.

Can anyone tell me, as unbiasedly as possible, what exactly Malkin did? I wasn't paying attention to yet another empty net goal.

Can anyone tell me, as unbiasedly as possible, what exactly Malkin did? I wasn't paying attention to yet another empty net goal.

http://www.hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=121720

Some unbiased stuff, some biased stuff there.

Its called unsportsmanlike conduct, you can receive a two minute minor or a ten minute misconduct.

Or if you make an obscene enough gesture, you could recieve a Game Misconduct or a Gross Misconduct, which will have you sitting more than the game you got kicked out of.

As mentioned in this thread, showboating is acceptable in certain situations in hockey. Taunting is accepted nowhere, unless you consider the WWE a sport.

I like the showboating at the WJs :dunno: Thats why hockey has fighting! :teach:

I like the showboating at the WJs :dunno: Thats why hockey has fighting! :teach:

Forgive me if I'm missing something here, but you do know that players get suspended for Fighting at this tournament.

I am a big fan of player individuality and I love creative celebrations. However, I wanted the Russian team to be pounded into the ice after what they did. There is a big differance between celebration and taunting and mocking. If Ovechkin jumped on the ice and started swimming motions I would have laughed, but he aimed at taunting Team USA and mocking the crowd. That is disrespecting someone's pride and dignity and that can't go unpunished.

Alot of you folks are bringing up the NFL and NBA but I'm sure none of you actually have analyzed their celebrations and recognized the differance between showboating and mockery.

Here's an example: In a Thanksgiving NFL game between the 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, in Dallas four years ago, Terrell Owens dominated the Cowboys. I believe he scored three touchdowns that game. After the first touchdown he did a nice little dance in the end zone. After the second touchdown he ran the ball back to the Dallas Star on the 50 yard line and spike the ball to MOCK the crowd and taunt the Cowboys. This infuriated Dallas and wasn't going unpunished. Emmitt Smith finally scored a touchdown and immediately went to the Dallas Star, placed the ball on it and pointed out Terrell Owens. For the remainder of the game the Cowboy players pounded Terrell on the line and took every shot at him possible. Terrell got one final touchdown towards the end of the game. Again he ran the ball back to the Dallas Star and was preparing to spike it but he was greeted by George Teague of the Cowboys who crushed him onto the turf. Teague was followed by other Cowboys before Owens ran back to his sideline. THAT shows that these types of actions are not tolerated in any sport.

Ovechkin and Malkin can do whatever they want. Like you said, it's their right because America is a free country. But that doesn't mean that they wont get their ass kicked for it. I would love to see Ovechkin, or any other Russian have the balls to take that visor off and go toe to toe with Stafford or Callahan.

I am a big fan of player individuality and I love creative celebrations. However, I wanted the Russian team to be pounded into the ice after what they did. There is a big differance between celebration and taunting and mocking. If Ovechkin jumped on the ice and started swimming motions I would have laughed, but he aimed at taunting Team USA and mocking the crowd. That is disrespecting someone's pride and dignity and that can't go unpunished.


You would like to see taunting and mocking in a hockey game being violently retaliated? I suggest seeking professional help at this point, poor boy. This is only sport, if you haven't noticed.

Like I said, US played a dirty and sloppy brand of hockey. They took the attitude of "play the top guys tough" to far. Cheap shotting, slashing, and high sticking. Maybe if they werent busy taking penalties they would have had a chance to win. They viewed the russian goalie as being a weak goalie, and thus under estimated the opponent. The Russian antics were justified and noone was hurt by the show boating. Atleast what the Russians did was in the boundaries of the rules unlike alot of the US actions...

a little blood doesn't hurt anybody ... its the fact that they have the audacity to showboat on EMPTY ******* NET GOALS, I can live with Shirokov after putting his team ahead 3-2, but for ***** sake save the showboating for your own team...celebrate after the goal and with your team ... don't ******* taunt your opponent right after you score an EN Goal :shakehead


Yeah, thats exactly my thinking. Its one thing if its an important goal. An empty netter is ridiculous. I can score an empty netter. And to taunt the bench after is ludicrous. Shirokov's ear thing was ok, I had no problem with that. But when you taunt the other teams bench (and if your a player you can agree with me) your asking to get hurt, and thats why a Russian player got a bloody nose after the taunts.

That's okay reasoning, I guess. The issue most have is that the players should put themselves a notch or two above the drunks in the stands.

I know that at 19 years old I probably woulda done worse....and I was quite mature for my age (alotta people I know would've been far worse). I'm sorry, but if I had a couple people telling me I suck and how overrated I am (things I'd imagine would be thrown at AO) for an entire game, or tourny even, I think for a kid to just turn around and smile then turn and show the jerk(s) up really isn't that bad for a kid. With people basically sitting on top of the bench it's bound to happen (we've seen alot worse in the NHL....squirrting water at people and even trying to climb outta the penalty box to assault somebody come to mind as recent examples).

As an AO fan (as you could probably tell) I'm not real happy about him doin it but I'm far from ready to label him a showoff jerk....actually I'm more dissapointed with him diving than anything. It might just be that it's a normal thing in European hockey and he's just doing what he's been taught, but that's more classless than anything else he did (his EN goal celebration sealed the game).

I can score an empty netter.


It's not THAT easy in a game like that.


*Edited* Removed inappropriate comments

Have you ever seen an NFL or NBA game? Now that's showboating and is completely tolerable in those sports. The difference is those sports actually have viewers. Maybe hockey needs more showboating. :dunno:
Hockey is a class above the other sports. It's too bad Ovechkin isn't.

Hockey is a class above the other sports. It's too bad Ovechkin isn't.

Nor was Bertuzzi.. Nor was teh American team that was taking cheapshots and penalties against the Russian team for the whole game...

Hockey is a class above the other sports. It's too bad Ovechkin isn't.

Please, it's a great sport, but don't say it's a class above other sports. Unless you're trying to say American viewers aren't very classy at all, because those other sports are obscenely more popular than hockey.

I watched that game, and Ovechkin's celebration of the 5-2 goal didn't bother me. Why shouldn't he celebrate it? It was the proverbial nail in the coffin. If his team was already up by 5 goals I would have said it was showboating, but not a goal to make it 5-2. Thats just insurance. As far as the pointing to his jersey thing, maybe the fans were taunting him earlier and he was responding.However, I'll agree Malkin's celebration when he went to the US bench was just plain mean. Unless, as he alluded to, he didn't realize it was the US bench in his excitement(Unless he's got severe color blindness, I doubt it).
As for Shirokov's "Louder!" gestures, well...
:shakehead

2 Closed threads with this topic going on 3 I'm thinking

2 Closed threads with this topic going on 3 I'm thinking

Please do!!!!!

You would like to see taunting and mocking in a hockey game being violently retaliated? I suggest seeking professional help at this point, poor boy. This is only sport, if you haven't noticed.It's only sport until you start acting like an idiot and provoking people. Just because it happens inside the boards doesn't legitimize anything that happens.

Those American kids and their fans didn't play or act in a manner that would warrant such blatant disrespect so it's really up to them how they respond. If they felt like pummelling a couple of those guys I would understand 100%. "You mess with the bull you get the horns", plain and simple. They never stooped though, so I want to congratulate the American kids for taking the high road and representing their country with grace and dignity. There are some great future pros there and this can turn out to be a positive motivational tool for them in the long run if they handle it correctly.

Does anyone else think that (Shirokov aside) the whole thing was instigated by the Pat O'Sullivan highstick? IMO that was a pretty blatent cheapshot. They didin't overly do that against other teams and its just out of character for guys like Malkin and AO.No, that's definitely not the case.

The Russians did it to the QMJHL all-stars a month ago (in two games which they barely won, in a shootout no less) and they would have done it to the OHL and WHL too if they didn't get completely obliterated.

Sure they did these things, but let's not make generalizations about the whole Russian population or even their hockey players. Obviously 200 million people in Russia aren't all alike but the team and coaching staff on this trip are all about that kind of behavior and there doesn't seem to be much pressure from the top to have them stop acting that way.

Stop it with the politically correct routine if you have no clue what you're talking about.

It's not THAT easy in a game like that.

Actually I could, and even If I couldn't it still wouldn't make a difference whether you should taunt after that "critical EN goal."

*Removed quote of edited post*

Therefore taunting has always existed. So why get rid of it? If the NHL isn't willing to change to get more viewers why would they change something that would eliminate viewers?


How does showboating get you more viewers? This is a great statement but you lack any evidence or substance.

NFL fines people who showboat don't they. I recall terrell owens getting fine for signing a football, and showboating in the dallas football game after a touchdown and right after was knocked down by emit smith.

NBA showboating and taunting of fans in the detriot basketball game caused a near out riot. Did all of a sudden the NBA attract more fans. No. They tainted themselves throughtout the media, by the repeated plays of those fights.

What about the todd bertuzzi incident. Did the NHL all of a sudden attract more fans. No. A lot of people were angry at bertuzzi and the NHL had to address this by suspending him indefinitely. This isn't good for players, or the league, and I find this hard to believe that this would attract more fans.

So you want players to showboat and show lack of respect of the game, the players, the opponents in the hopes of attacting more fans? lol

A better way to attract fans would be to end the labour dispute, increase the speed of the game, with no touch icing, no red line, tag up offside, reduce cluthing and grabbing, overtime shoot outs. These are much better ways to attract fans, by making the game less complicated to understand, and a lot more enjoyable to watch.

NBA showboating and taunting of fans in the detriot basketball game caused a near out riot. Did all of a sudden the NBA attract more fans. No. They tainted themselves throughtout the media, by the repeated plays of those fights.

What about the todd bertuzzi incident. Did the NHL all of a sudden attract more fans. No. A lot of people were angry at bertuzzi and the NHL had to address this by suspending him indefinitely. This isn't good for players, or the league, and I find this hard to believe that this would attract more fans.

Come again? Neither of these examples have anything to do with showboating. They both have exclusively to do with violence and meatheads (Bertuzzi, Artest, Wallace, Jackson, etc.) who can't control their anger.

Showboating is lack of respect for the other team and fans. I gave you other example of lack of respect for the both the games and fans, and ask how this helps to attract more fans?

Sure they did these things, but let's not make generalizations about the whole Russian population or even their hockey players. Would it be fair to make generalizations about Canadian players or people based on Bobby Clarke, Todd Bertuzzi and a few other goons?
Well Europeans already do generalize Canadian players in that regard. I personally do believe in those generalizations. Finns or Swedes are less likely to do a Todd Bertuzzi act and Russians are the only players to date who I've seen taunting to such a degree. I will never forget when Svitov spitted on the Canadians. That was the most disgusting thing I've ever seen. The American players trashing their room was the post embarrassing behavior I can remember and what Bertuzzi did was the most unacceptable, cowardly and stupid act I've ever seen.

NBA showboating and taunting of fans in the detriot basketball game caused a near out riot.


If a player from one team hitting a player from the other team in the face with two hands equals "showboating and taunting of fans" then hey...
you may be right!

Showboating is lack of respect for the other team and fans. I gave you other example of lack of respect for the both the games and fans, and ask how this helps to attract more fans?

The only example of showboating/taunting you gave is Terrell Owens ...and to be honest, he sells more tickets and his jerseys sell more than any other NFL player. That, and what he has been fined for is borderline taunting, that isn't near as bad as what Ovechkin and Malkin did last night. I can't remember an occasion where Owens over-celebrated a meaningless touchdown or ran across the field to the other team's bench to yell obscenities at them. The only problem that Owens has, is that he is in too much love with himself. He doesn't have a habit of taunting his opponents...just over-celebrating, and when he did taunt fans at Texas Stadium, he got ran over by a mammoth Cowboys player.

Maybe it's time for the next Russian player who goes out of his way to make an ass of himself to get pummeled by a player the opposing team could stand to lose for a while.

And for that cash the fans receive the right to hate the teams and the players. The kids are just giving something back for the fans for their money here. Everyone's happy.

Yeah, mocking the paying customers is "giving something back." That's big-time wrestling logic at its finest. I'd prefer not to see hockey turn into that sort of sideshow.

Ownens is not 18 years old anymore to keep that boarderline as a mature person.
BTW. Russians were involved in the nasty battles with sticks and blood under 18 championship tournament in Minsk Belorus. There is a long history between those two and let them to sort things out the next time they meet. For Russians to taunt someone is way better, then swining sticks as Canadian goons do, because when Russians start swining, there is no boarderline for them. They will go for a kill. It is a part of their culture and history. Russia was constantly at war for 1000 years. There is a difference, right there. Words do not make noses bleed. Sticks do.

For Russians to taunt someone is way better, then swining sticks as Canadian goons do

:lol :dunce: :lol

Stop it with the politically correct routine if you have no clue what you're talking about.

No I won't. Anything else?

Hi people,

Been following the boards for a while now and I decided to jump in...

This whole thing has been blown way out of proportion. If any of you watched the game, you could easily see that The Americans were taking liberties with the Russians all game long. Now, if you sit back and analyze how the Russians kept their cool and took a commanding lead BEFORE taunting, you have to give them credit. From the game I saw two sticks to the head that drew blood by the Americans, numerous slashes on Malkin especially, hit from behind on AO. You can all cry and say what the Russians did was low, but if you think about it they put up with a lot of crap from the Americans, kept their cool, and made sure they got the job done. And at the end they made sure they reminded the Americans who played a hockey game and who ran around looking to hurt people.

I guess according most of you, it would have been better for Malkin to pull a Bertuzzi on Suter...

Hi people,

Been following the boards for a while now and I decided to jump in...

This whole thing has been blown way out of proportion. If any of you watched the game, you could easily see that The Americans were taking liberties with the Russians all game long. Now, if you sit back and analyze how the Russians kept their cool and took a commanding lead BEFORE taunting, you have to give them credit. From the game I saw two sticks to the head that drew blood by the Americans, numerous slashes on Malkin especially, hit from behind on AO. You can all cry and say what the Russians did was low, but if you think about it they put up with a lot of crap from the Americans, kept their cool, and made sure they got the job done. And at the end they made sure they reminded the Americans who played a hockey game and who ran around looking to hurt people.

I guess according most of you, it would have been better for Malkin to pull a Bertuzzi on Suter...
I agree for the most part. Russia did put up with a ton, and that is also why they had the majority of the powerplays. I could see if an American came into his face after the goal and he pointed to the scoreboard or something but skating by the bench is wrong, everytime. No justification. I ref hockey here in Canada, I see a kid do that, misconduct everytime, second offense is a gross (travesty of the game). I don't need that on my ice.

It's only sport until you start acting like an idiot and provoking people. Just because it happens inside the boards doesn't legitimize anything that happens.


Ha! Exactly my point. Clean bodychecks are fine, but exacting revenge by headhunting and attempting to injure people inside the boards should be a criminal offense. Getting provoked that badly by something as minor as taunting/overt celebrating is what I would call acting like a total idiot.

Ha! Exactly my point. Clean bodychecks are fine, but exacting revenge by headhunting and attempting to injure people inside the boards should be a criminal offense. Getting provoked that badly by something as minor as taunting/overt celebrating is what I would call acting like a total idiot.I never said it was 'Tuzzi time, I said that if they wanted to pummel those guys that's ok by me. Fighting is a part of hockey whether or not you like it.

I never said it was 'Tuzzi time, I said that if they wanted to pummel those guys that's ok by me. Fighting is a part of hockey whether or not you like it.

Actually it's not. It's tolerated in North American hockey leagues, which is much different than saying it's a "part of hockey". Fighting in IIHF events is no more legal than it is in the NBA.

Forgive me if I'm missing something here, but you do know that players get suspended for Fighting at this tournament.
Yeah Iknow- I was just making a point that doesnt really belong in this thread-that I hate the instigator rule

Actually it's not. It's tolerated in North American hockey leagues, which is much different than saying it's a "part of hockey". Fighting in IIHF events is no more legal than it is in the NBA.Don't put words in my mouth I never said it was condoned by the iihf. I just said it's part of hockey.

As for being "legal" at the iihf it's no more illegal than hooking or throwing your stick. The penalty is just greater. You commit the crime you do your time, which in this case just happens to be a 5 min, game, and one game suspension. If it was truly illegal then players would be looking at lengthy bans and a team that was deemed gulity of starting an altercation would forfeit the game they were playing in. That's not the case, except in the event of a full scale brawl.

The iihf never had the foresight to put a similar ban on such ridiculous and childish actions because up until now they hadn't been a part of the game. Noone assumed that people would choose to represent their country in such a manner and therefor the old standards of "misconduct" never addressed that form of behaviour.

In the future I think we'll see a broader and more harsh form of discipline for it but until the new rules are made the players just have to deal with things as they see fit. If they want to resort to fighting I have no problem with that because it's not only part of hockey it's part of life.

Get over it.

I agree for the most part. Russia did put up with a ton, and that is also why they had the majority of the powerplays. I could see if an American came into his face after the goal and he pointed to the scoreboard or something but skating by the bench is wrong, everytime. No justification. I ref hockey here in Canada, I see a kid do that, misconduct everytime, second offense is a gross (travesty of the game). I don't need that on my ice.

I agree. The taunting and showboating was quite rude, and trying to say that it was okay for Russia to rub it in because the Americans and their fans were hostile is just making excuses. Having said that, they can do whatever they want (within reason) as long as they are aware that it makes them look like they have no class, and as long as they aren't surprised when other players come after them for it. If you're going to taunt and back it up, and are willing to face the consequences, then fine.

In the future I think we'll see a broader and more harsh form of discipline for it but until the new rules are made the players just have to deal with things as they see fit. If they want to resort to fighting I have no problem with that because it's not only part of hockey it's part of life.

Get over it.

Resorting to fighting, headhunting and retaliation is just asking for more Bertuzzi incidents to happen. You may see these as part of life, but I don't think it needs to be like that.
Sorry, but I totally disagree with your views.

Resorting to fighting, headhunting and retaliation is just asking for more Bertuzzi incidents to happen. You may see these as part of life, but I don't think it needs to be like that.
Sorry, but I totally disagree with your views.I never used the word headhunting and I don't condone that type of activity any more than you do.

If the refs had disciplined AO in some way then maybe things wouldn't have gotten out of hand but as usual they've made their mark on the game and the players and fans suffer the consequences.

Does fighting need to be part of life? No, but the people who don't want it shouldn't provoke it.