Have you noticed how much stupidity is happening in the NHL this season? Think about it. What worries me most isn’t just the rough play; it’s the lack of respect players are showing for each other. How far are they willing to go to win the hockey game?
If you’re an Oilers fan, you know this only too well. How many times have you seen McDavid mauled? I can live with borderline penalties—maybe a little stick holding here and there. What really bothers me is the slashes on a player’s wrist. Then there are the times players lose their minds. I especially hate it when a player drops the sticks, jumps on another player, and starts punching. Yeah, I’m looking at you, Florida. And then everyone just shrugs it off like, “Oh, he’s frustrated.” Like that somehow makes it okay.
I love the rough style of hockey with a good hit. But if there’s a fight, I want it to be a fair battle between two willing participants. Jumping a player from behind or getting the first cheap shot—I can’t swear, but think of the worst curse, and that will be what I’m thinking.
And don’t even get me started on the staged fights. You know the ones. You know the fights where the players will brawl before the puck drops. Do you want to go? Do you wanna go? And I know it’s quite often for a hit in another incident in another game. So the player has to face the piper and fight somebody from the other team. I get that sometimes that happens; but too often, it’s just two meatheads who feel like fighting.
Okay, rant over. Let’s talk about what’s actually happening around the league.
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are making strides and showing some pride in their play. Speaking of the Sabres, there is one player who I’m rooting for this season, and his name is Alex Lyon. Alex has been working his butt off, giving Buffalo a chance of winning every game. You can’t expect more from your goalie than that.
Edmonton Oilers
You count on three things happening: death, taxes, and the Edmonton Oilers starting slowly. I have no worries that this team will be in either first or second place by the end of the year. I love the emotion I see in McDavid. He is ready to explode. I have no worries about this team with players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Final Word
The big surprise so far? The Detroit Red Wings. Dylan Larkin has been an absolute beast this season, and it’s honestly nice to see the underdog come out swinging.
That’s it for now. We’ll see how long the madness keeps up this season.
