Afternoon Scrum 11/20/09

Hockey headlines for the CBJ and from around the league. Mmmmm... hockey

Great win last night by the Fightin' CBJs. Read Pepper's game summary (below) for the details. For my part, I'll just say that I thought it was the best game the Jackets have played so far this season. 60 minutes of weighty performances by every player. Here's hoping Dorsett is alright. Let's get to the news!

• Dallas Stars F James Neal has been suspended two games for his hit on CBJ F Derek Dorsett last night. It was a dirty play and the suspension is warranted. The league, however, needs to reassess how many games they are suspending these players. Two games (or 2.4% of the regular season) should not be deemed adequate for the kind of disregard for player safety that Neal displayed last night. Maybe I am biased. Puck Daddy seems to think that Neal's defenders in Dallas are right in arguing that intent to injure was not part of the equation. You be the judge.


• Kristian Huselius has been named one of the 3 Stars of last night by the NHL. Juice put up 2 goals against the Stars. One goal was of the shorthanded variety, the other was a PP tally. Huselius has 15 points in 16 games.


• John Kreiser over at nhl.com has some interesting league numbers at the quarter-season mark. Mathieu Garon is mentioned.


• I've tried on more than one occasion in this space to express my thoughts about the NHLPA and the whole firing of Paul Kelly issue. John Buccigross over at the World Wide Leader has an excellent piece that succinctly (as much as possible) portrays how/why the situation happened, and what impact it will have on the union, the league and we fans in the future. I cannot recommend it enough.


• Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to express condolences to Chris Speilman, his 4 children, and their entire family as they morn the loss of Chris' wife Stefanie to cancer. Stefanie Spielman was a remarkable woman whose public fight with cancer inspired others to fight harder in their own battles, and raised awareness for Breast Cancer Research around the world. She will be missed. Please visit The Stefanie Spielman Fund to learn more about her courage and how you can help the fight.