There was an interesting article that looked at the suspensions and fines dished out this season. As it turns out 22 of the 30 teams have had at least one player suspended at some point during the season. The Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils are all suspension free in the new Shanahan era.
However, only one of those teams is free of supplimental fines as well. That would be the Vancouver Canucks.
They are the fourth most penalized team when you look at PIM, but don't commit the big fouls that get the attention of the Office of Player Safety. But they lead in the "victim" category. They have drawn 3 fines and 5 suspensions against opponents.
Now, we all know that suspensions are not exactly a science. Plenty of questionable calls happen that get a suspension and those that aren't noteworthy getting a two or three game ban. It is subject to opinion. And there are a few incidents that could have perhaps called for more discipline from Vancouver:
Sturm. Kesler. Maybe Sedin.
Of course, it is not just the Canucks that have potentially escaped the Shanahammer. They are just the only ones that have escaped it all season.
Still, it stokes the flames that the NHL is biased (not that I am suggesting they are). Like the people thinking that the NHL is trying to rig it so that Los Angeles makes the playoffs.
That's right. The Oilers's coach was fined $10,000 for comments made about the referees giving favorable treatment to the Kings because the NHL wants them in the playoffs.
If the NHL is rigging it, they need a new system as the Kings are still not playoff bound with only 2 games to go.
Speaking of playoffs, the New York subway system is clearly on board with the BlueShirts.
Link to video
I can only imagine what kind of graffiti will be done by visiting fans. Cool concept though.
