Rangers coach wants Smith suspended

Since we are having some problem getting my story on the web site, I figured I'd at least get the information on here.

Rangers coach Tom Renney said after Thursday's 5-2 victory over the Lightning that he believes Tampa Bay goalie Mike Smith should be suspended for the altercation he had with New York agitator Aaron Voros. The two fought with 1:41 left in the third period. Smith also got high-sticking and slashing penalties.

"You usually don't get hurt fighting but you might get hurt with a spear or slash to the back of the leg," Renney said. "It was completely unprovoked and I think Smith should be suspended."

Smith said his emotions got the better of him. Voros was in front of Smith almost the entire game and the two continually jousted.

Lightning coach Barry Melrose had no problem with Smith.

"If the referees don't protect you, you have to protect yourself," Melrose said. "It's jungle rules out there. It's Sing-Sing rules out there in the third period."    

Comments

[coach bill]

Ajax- Hold on buddy. A little discernment is needed and most of us can tell whose who. I know when it's you and most of us know when it's us. Don't worry about it. I mean nobody really knows who Ajax really is, so keep on posting. Your imput is enormous. Please show up at the next happy hour, which I think will be Dec 18 oe Jan 15 or both. Tackleberry wants Jan and Hockey Chic wants either. I'll call Damian and he'll post the real deal. I'm thinking Dec 18 (or both). The St. Pete Times will have to get involved or they will lose this excellent addition. Anyone in for Dec. 18 (vs Colorado)? Damian Please e-mail me if you are going to help stop this,

Little tip for Chris1968....Tampa Bay, like Miami, really isn't a town of "Floridians" like Deland or Lake City. Most everyone here is from either Canada or some northern state, which is why Phil Esposito (a Canadian living in Tampa) in his infinite wisdom chose Tampa Bay to host a team. And whaddya know, we won a Cup after only 12 years in town. Whole scads of us play the game down here and know more finer points and nuances of the game than the folks we left behind up north to shovel the snow and chop the windshields for half the year. Knowledgeable hockey fans in NHL cities like St. Louis and Los Angeles, for example, are still waiting for their first Cup after 40 years.

Anytime you want to discuss the finer points and rules of hockey, you have a willing participant right here. Who knows, each of us might learn a thing or two

[Andrew]

You're all missing the point here. Smith wanted to fight... with his mask on! Are you kidding me? Everyone keeps talking about players policing themselves and honoring the code, but if you're gonna fight a guy, take your mask off, especially if you just slashed the guy in the leg. And then what happened? He took like 9 minutes of penalties, let up another goal and earned his second loss to the rangers this year. Tampa's doomed, even in the weak southeast division.

[Healy]

Smith was just frustrated. Voros was doing his job, cleanly I'll add, and since the defensemen weren't clearing him out Smith did what he did. If a forward did that he'd get a suspension, but goalies always get a little more breathing room so this probably won't get anything.

0-3 vs NYR so far this year. That's the bigger issue.

In response to the comment posted on November 07, 2008 at 02:09 AM there is a major difference between what Avery did to Brodeur and what Smith did Voros. Here’s the difference, Avery did not touch Brodeur in any way and was just a pest in front of the net. Smith slashed and hit Voros a number of times in the back of the leg. Voros played clean in front of the net and Smith even admitted to it. The only similarity between the two examples that you provided was that there are goalies involved in it. If a Forward had slashed someone like that in open ice they would have easily been suspended. For whoever wrote this do your research and don’t let your feelings for your team get in the way of what is right and wrong on the ice.

[Andrew]

He did it bc Voros was standing in his way? Please. That's called screening, and if Smith had a problem with it then the Tampa D should've stepped in and pushed him out, which is what every other team does since every team screens. Voros wasn't in the crease, Voros wasn't doing anything wrong. Smith was just mad b/c he got lit up all night and Tampa's had a terrible start to their year.

[Chris]

Why? Cause when nonsense like this makes it way onto a Fan Forum i work on its a complete joke and i feel i must state my mind to you all. Have a nice day.

Some day all you Floridians will learn the finer points of Hockey.

[Boltflasher]

Then why do you read this blog and post on it Chris?

[chris1968]

I know Hockey is still kind of a new thing in Florida. Not even 20 years yet. I may suggest some of you learn the finer points and rules about hockey. From reading most of these post here is an embarresment to the NHL fan Base. Be ashamed Tampa.

[McGz]

maybe we can move the discussion to another blog? The only good thing about dcs blog is timely updates. JJs blog at HB requires email log in but doesn't get a lot of traffic but there are often other viewpoints that are an interesting read. And JJ actually contributes to the blog instead of just posting to create traffic like DC. What do u guys think?

[chris1968]

Smith was dirty last night part of the game is screening the goalie Voros did his job played superb. The good goalies still make the saves when screened without the silly slashes that can cause injurys. On a sad note to the entire Lightning team howcome not one player came to smiths aide? Right or wrong your teamates are always supposed to protect the goalie. Bet your money if that was Lundqvist in the fight a Ranger would sure jump into as the third man to protect him. Panzie protection by the Lightning. Melrose will be gone soon.

[SarasotaBill1]

Ajax, I know I said I'd never post under this name again as you just have but I feel compelled to do it one more time. I know how you feel. Look back a couple of years and you will remember that this was a great place to talk hockey and the Bolts. It's become a circus due to a Psychotic clown or 2.

With todays technology it would be easy to require posters to create an account that would secure their own username so nobody else could use it the way the the little b!+(# does. Each identity remains the property of the poster who registered it first. Simple stuff but it hasn't been done. I hate to be sinister but think about this for a minute......

The more people who post here creates more "hits" which means more traffic. More internet traffic relates to bigger numbers as far as advertising is concerned. Higher numbers relates to bigger advertising dollars. Is the SPT going to cut their own throat by making this blog safe for the posters to maintain their names which could very well reduce their bottom line?

I hope I'm way off base here. However, this has been a problem ever since a little over a year ago when I came out and blasted Oulette. That was the first sighting of the shrink. Sarasota Bill's shrink. The shrink's name has been used by others since that time by what could be called "copy cat" posters. The main problem is much closer than you think. Think attitude and personality. It just might become clear. At the risk of hacking charges I will say no more.

I understand your feelings about it but you just let the psycho win just as I did some time ago. After a while and a name change that the less than perceptive psycho never picked up on, I continue to post from time to time. I dunno, maybe mbab needs to make a comeback. Well....maybe not. Either way, we will know you.

Best of luck and don't be a stranger.

[Herb]

Ajax Thanks for your words of wisdom and I always thought you were tops in this blog. I am about nearing the end with the imposter for I saw 3 posts in this subject that was not me and I will not leave my name anymore when I comment. Good luck, live long and prosper as Spock would say.

[Boltflasher]

I'll miss ya Ajax,..maybe we'll see ya in Dec rather than Jan. Have a nice holiday season if we don't. PD will miss you too.

Amanda, you have been missed too. Don't let the psycho scare you guys away, that's what he wants....I do wish, though, that SPT would deal with the pervert

[Amanda]

Ajax-
That's why I stopped posting here. A few years ago, I was a regular board contributor. Then people started thinking they were brilliant. "Holy gee wiz, I can post using someone else's name! Hyuk! Maybe then the people who picked on me in high school - all of them - will like me again because I'm witty and cool!"
I still read. The conversation just isn't fun anymore.
Alright, back to not posting. Later.
(P.S. Love Smitty, loved the way he showed some grit last night. And for Brooke Hogan... vocal inspiration she's not, but she was pretty good luck for us with the National Anthem back in the day)

[McGz]

Matt Carle traded to the Flyers for Steve Eminger and another AHL tough guy and 4th rd pick? So much for winning the Boyle trade long term. What is going on with this team?

[ajax]

Use to love doing this. I posted a couple times today and I wasn't even on my computer. Every nine months or so some idiot ruins a good thing. I will be back in January, as I will sit back and save my little fingers from typing "it wasn't me" three times a day.
I am not sold on this roster. It is a marathon not a sprint. Melrose needs to know this and stop panicking. The few speedy forwards we have aren't getting the minutes. The game is speed. How is Stamkos going to get better?? Playing him. Do you how hard it is to score 27 goals in this league?? Play Vrbata, especially on the PPlay. If not, trade him, now, saying he just didn't fit our system and someone out there will love a 27 goal scorer and we will get something back. May I suggest a D that can skate?? and weight more than 190 pounds??
The D will give me serious heartburn til January. When Mike Lundin is 3rd on your team in minutes, you know you have issues. This is the NHL, where you need players, not safe players. Guys who will lead the rush and clean out in front of the net. Guys with the courage to hold the blueline and pinch with confidence. Safe is nice if you are a crossing guard. Malik is a retread that has no business in the NHL. I like what they have done to the forwards. Last year we had 6 forwards that are no longer in the NHL. How can any of you be dissappointed after reading that one statement.
Mike Smith isn't posting a lot of wins but he sure would of made Torts happy. He makes big save after big save, every night. And with this team he will have to keep standing on his head for us to be .500.
As I say goodbye to lots of great fans and a few psycho's, I really want to share one thing. For two years we had no hope of getting better. Owners who didn't care and who froze the checkbook and literally took the heart out of a pretty successful coach. The new owners are ripped every single day on this blog, and for what?? Buying the worst team in hockey, in an awful economy, playng hockey in Florida. They should be given a parade for their efforts. Except for 1, maybe two games I thought we were in every game this year. Last year we needed the big 3 to play every other shift to "lose" 4-3. So fast we forget how awful we were and how the past owners put zero back into this team (remember for months we heard not a peep) everyone dying for some news about OUR team and the owners sitting back licking their chops waiting for a payday while we went down the toilet. We were close to a playoff spot and what did we get? A news conference from Jay saying he thought our D6 were the best in the league and not even an attempt to make the playoffs. Shameful. You know what would be really the final blow??? Davidson and Company get the team back!!!! Then it would be on the market again and NOTHING, ZIPPO, NADA would happen all over again. The haters would love this. I am so glad the "cowboys" have at least tried. They might fail, but how do some of you measure failure??? Remember these parting words. 6 guys from last year are no longer in the NHL. Some of you want a Choclate Mousse from the mud that was left. No one wants us to win more than I, I really belive that statement. I love the Bolts and every other team and sport is a distant second, but man we were at rock bottom. Give it some time and keep pouring the extra bucks into the Bolts. Some of you would be so tickled to see them have to leave. I would be devasted.
To the imposter, what a whako human being. I am out of here. Let's hope they rip off 7 wins in a row!!!!!
Leo, Herb, Rosie Chic, Olin, Coach Bill, Casper, Flasher and the rest enjoy, I am so tired of the crap and Mr. Damien, sad to say must not read his own blog. It has turned into a joke. Anymore ajax posts can be written off to psycho, so I apologize in advance if he is rude.
May Toronto lose 10 in a row, Montreal be forced to play with only 5 guys a night(instead of 5+2 Zebras) and may our Bolts prove all the naysayers soo sooo soooo soooo WRONG.

[Effigy of the Forgotten]

You know, with Malik's size, you'd expect him to bee good at keeping the front of the net clear, but he isn't. Not by a long shot.

[Effigy of the Forgotten]

Brian: Voros got 1 goalie interference penalty. All game Voros set up outside the crease. It's not like Voros was running him.

[rangersaregood]

There is a reason Avery isnt with the Rangers anymore. The coaching staff had enough of his antics and the players in the locker room were tired of him as well. Voros isn't half as annoying as Avery. He is just screening the goaltenders like usual. A stick slap or a little check in the back is the game. But a hack to a thigh. Get your head out of your asses.

[Herb]

I took a look and nothing is there.

Un-named 3:10 poster, take a look between your legs and you'll see the joke...

[Herb]

Got a rat jackweed imposter at work. I haven't chimed in on this topic and I won't because I was frustrated after the short handed goal given up by the Bolts so I watched the Daily Show with John Stewart instead.

[Herb]

Damian.......you gotta do something about registering screen names for this blog to stop this crap work by fakers will stop.

[Herb]

Got a rat jackweed imposter at work. I haven't chimed in on this topic and I won't because I was frustrated after the short handed goal given up by the Bolts so I watched the Daily Show with John Stewart instead.

[slapshot]

WOW I think Tom Renney got hit with the puck to hard! LOL

Gee what are the chances that Avery and Voros were both messing with the goalies when they were coached by Tom Renny.

[olin]

...hey folk's, gotta get over this stuff- it's hockey and Bolt's have to be better, no doubt about it. Last nite also showed the need to have a enforcer. I'm sure OK Hockey realize's it. Smitty did take a cheap shot (I was amazed), but if the TEAM would have been playing the advertised "TOUGH GUY" game, that might not have happened if it were close or if the Bolt's had a lead. It was frustration on Smitty's part, he watching our D set back and lack of forechecking, letting the ranger's continually skate in on him. I can't blame the guy at all. Lawton might be correct in saying he need's credibility from the player's to become better, if not then be on their way, and find new guy's who want to play tough. I expected a better showing against the Ranger's last nite, and never saw it. This team is just not playing a physical game as a whole. Arty is not hitting like he did 2 season's back, his on ice emotion's seem to be more laid back, Robert's...forget it, leadership or not, he needs to retire. So many issue's to contend too, but I will give it more time to see how it goes.
Thank's for the call last nite Coach Bill, I look forward to another get together, and a trip to CB another weekend.
Go Bolt's....

[Lauren]

The Rangers should be suspended or else Renney should just shut up!You have to protect yourself at times and that is all Smith was doing I believe!Granted I didnt see the game but I saw the spearing and all on Sportscenter later on Thursday night & all it looked like Smith was doing was protecting himself.

smith is a joke, just like tampa. and all you sean avery haters yes even the best of rangers fans will agree his behavior was uncalled for last year but

[danger]

that was my post above, not sure why the name says P.

[danger]

smith didn't hurt anybody but Voros, by taking those penalties. Were we going to make a two goal comeback with 1:43 left in the game on a team that gets a lead and then locks it down? No. Smith just showed he wasn't going to take any garbage an handled Voros himslef. I'm just suprised nobody came in and smashed Voros before Smitty had to. If you see your goalie throwing punched with someone in front, with under 2 minutes left, in a losing effort.....you bury that guy.

[coach bill]

I won't be posting again until Sunday night. Ignore "me" if you see my handle. Some of us are headed to the beach for a watch party tomorrow night( we have 2 houses and a keg of beer). See what you miss when you don't show up?

[Bryan]

Voros ran him twice through the crease and took his feet out from under him. Call it whatever you will... hell, I did it when I played, its his JOB. At some point though, you poke the nice dog with the stick enough and he starts taking chunks of flesh. I think thats what happened with Mike last night.

[coach bill]

The 9:44 AM comment wasn't e./ When it's ugly and insulting, we all know it's not us. However tis one wasn't bad. I AM planning another happy Hour soon. Maybe Thurs Dec 18 (Colorado) or Thurs Jan 15 (Philly). What do you think folks? ( I'm waiting for Hockey Chic to call me). I'll have Damian post it. Don't believe anything you read from my name until DC posts it, but those dates sound good. Those of us who showed last time now all know each other and can easily communicate amoung ourselves.( me,HC,Don,Tack, Bingo,herb,wine gut,L Rod,Casper,Melanie,et.al.) Imposter, please come. We would all love to meet you.

[teri]

While I don't agree that Smith should be suspended, he DOES need to learn to put up with that stuff without losing his cool. Maybe he should watch some video of how Roy used to handle Ciccerelli when he was being a pest. A well-placed stick blade to the rear or a nice cup-check tends to discourage some of the front-of-the-net antics....

teri in chester

[blurt]

Yeah, great goalie...drops his gloves but not his mask...what a douche...

[Effigy of the Forgotten]

Voros was out of the crease the entire game. Smith slashed Voros about 5 times throughout the game and didn't get called for ANY of them, so I don't wanna hear any of this bs about missed calls. Refs missed plenty of stuff both ways.

Voice of the Turtle: Stop smoking crack. Renney never told Avery to screen Brodeur.... and OMG, Avery screened the goalie. What a disgrace to the NHL !!!!! Also, Lundqvist doesn't slash players. He just doesn't; but you wouldnt know that cause you're probably an armchair hockey fan.

[CPA]

Those b o o b s that are renting the Lightning probably don't realize the ramifications with the IRS by using the Lightning to advertise another enterprise. The comingling means a bigger tax bill for the guys that couldn't afford the team in the first place. Boy are they in for a rude shock!!!

[JoeG]

What is up with the defence dropping back and letting opposing players waltz in with the puck? Is the D that weak that they can't stand anybody up at the blue line?

[skp]

my goodness, this is the first game in i don't know how long where we didn't pick up a point, and the first game all season where the goalie did not play out of his mind, and suddenly all things lightning are poop

[Boltflasher]

Hey Léo, what's up with Balsillie and the Habs? Will he move them to Hamilton?

[James Rosene]

to the first post by Herb. How can you blame Smith with a straight face for losing the game? The lightning are constantly outplayed, outhustled, outhit and are so weak on the puck. Blame the players in front of hime because the only 2 guys on that team that play weel night after night are Smith and Kolzig. They wouldn't have won a game this year without them.

yeah koules

[Boltflasher]

Also this: "According to nhl.com, "Both masks will be worn by the Lightning goaltenders through at least Friday October 31, and then will be signed by each player in silver ink before being shipped to the winning bidders. Proceeds from the auction of Smith’s mask will benefit The Lightning Foundation and proceeds from Kolzig’s mask will benefit Athletes Against Autism, a charity founded by Kolzig and other NHL players."

It was KOLZIG's own charity!!!!

[nickd]

Also amusing how nobody mentions that Smitty and Kolzig both wanted to have the Saw masks and asked about doing it. Per usual for hockey fans.

[Boltflasher]

sorry, it was NOT copied over either..

[Boltflasher]

Also, this comment was copied over either:

"In case you haven't noticed, there aren't a lot of banks in the US capable of giving out multi-million dollar loans at the moment. ANY way they can find to promote both hockey and their supkimentary businesses through minimal cost is not only a brilliant move by the owners, it is absolutely necessary for their teams' survival. The Charity auctions makes it and even smarter move.

And McCromick, you're such a homer hypocrit. Next time you're watching your beloved Oil, count the Rexall adds. You really think it makes a difference just because it's not on Garon's mask?"

[PD]

Flasher big deal that the $ went to charity..he's advertising his business on the players.

Hope the NHLPA puts the appropriate valuation on it for revenue.

[Boltflasher]

Interesting how this post was not copied over here:

"I guess you must not enjoy the world champonships or the spengler cup. Advertising is an owners right. It's a mask, it doesn't affect the goalies abilities. It's a job. What's the big deal. Ray Emery had the best masks last year, but couldn't stop a beech ball, so who cares. Why not write a column about how well Mike Smith is playing despite the mask..."

...and it was the very first comment left on the article. Also, funny how no one mentions that the money from the masks' promotion went to charity...

[JH]

Ha,Renny is an idiot. So if Avery does it to another goalie, sure it's great, but when Voros gets what's coming to him for stupid shenanigans, the goalie should be suspended? What a joke.