For those of you who didn't see the Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens last night, here's what happened.

Patrick Kaleta had was turned facing the boards, awaiting a pass along the boards. Maxim Lapierre came across the ice as soon as Kaleta received the puck, and smashed him into the boards face first, sending his helmet flying, and Kaleta crumbling to the ice. Kaleta stayed down, then was helped off, returned for one shift and then left the game for good. First examinations indicate that he has a concussion

This was an absolutely terrible dirty hit, and Lapierre only got 2 minutes for it. Lapierre deserves to be suspended at least a game, as he made absolutely no effort to avoid this.


And any Canadiens fan that wants to tell me that wasn't a dirty hit, don't bother. It's clearly a dirty hit, no question about it. You can't argue it at all.

Hopefully, we can dig it up on the Tube.

DOn

I was looking for a video but couldn't find one. If you find one lmk, or feel free to just post it in here yourself, whatever works best for ya Don

I agree wholeheartedly. When I saw it, I was like, "Max, that's not cool." He tends to play on the edge and I had thought at first that Kaleta had turned at the last second, but no, that was all numbers all the way. I can't believe he only got 2 for it.

I have finally gotten a Montreal fan to agree to with me lol

Yeah I don't know what your announcers are like on your local station, but Rick Jeanneret was furious. He deserved more than 2, and I hope he at least gets a game, because that hit was real dirty

kaleta is worst then Avery...at least avery will push a guy back after he insagate something.

Kaleta is like a soccer player , just trying to get a calll, I mean doing that is ok sometime but when you turtle away from confrontation everytime someone challenges you , you look stupid.

guys like Avery , Kaleta, Downie are no good for the game.. Kaleta had it coming(boarding)

I agree, Kaleta is dirtier than Avery, Avery is just an extreme pest and he' **** good at it. Kaleta is just a bum on skates. NO player deserves that, but Kaleta would have done the same exact thing to someone else.

I didn't see the play, but I'm sure it was as dirty as it sounds. Max prob took a cheap shot from Kaleta at some point this seasons and this was payback.

I agree wholeheartedly. When I saw it, I was like, "Max, that's not cool." He tends to play on the edge and I had thought at first that Kaleta had turned at the last second, but no, that was all numbers all the way. I can't believe he only got 2 for it.

The key was Kaleta moved the move numbers away, he chips the puck, and doesn't turn. Why? Hoping not to get hit.

Max shouldn't have hit him, but Patrick should have turned.

And you know what? Kaleta is one of the Kings at dirty play so it all comes around.

in response to the last 3 posts...how many of you have watched Kaleta play more than a game or two?

If you have, and know anything about hockey, then you wouldnt call him a "bum on skates"

Does Kaleta go around and hit everything he sees? Yes..

Is he a dirty player?.. no..

did he "deserve" to get hit from behind...nope again

did he fail to turn on purpose, hoping to get hit...well that ones ridiculous and doesnt deserve an answer

And yes, Kaleta is a pest, and yes he does instigate/draw penelties. Hes also smart enough not to retaliate. I cant count the times he has gotten us a powerplay by refusing to retaliate. Thats just a smart hockey play, and ultimately has led to many goals for the Sabres.

And for the record, if Kaleta feels he can best help his team by dropping the gloves, he is more than willing/capable of doing so. Is he the best fighter in the league? Obviously not, but he can hold is own when he decides to drop them

Since when is being smart, and not retaliating like these other goons and hurting your team a bad thing?

Just my thoughts on Kaleta...

kaleta is worst then Avery...at least avery will push a guy back after he insagate something.

Kaleta is like a soccer player , just trying to get a calll, I mean doing that is ok sometime but when you turtle away from confrontation everytime someone challenges you , you look stupid.

guys like Avery , Kaleta, Downie are no good for the game.. Kaleta had it coming(boarding)


No offense to you honestly but this post is pretty ridiculous on the whole...

worse (not worst) than Avery? Youve got to be joking right?

and comparing Kaleta to idiots like Avery and Downie?

oh and the most ridiculous part of your post... "kaleta had it coming (boarding)"...no explanation needed to illustrate why I find this ridiculous

in response to the last 3 posts...how many of you have watched Kaleta play more than a game or two?

If you have, and know anything about hockey, then you wouldnt call him a "bum on skates"

Does Kaleta go around and hit everything he sees? Yes..

Is he a dirty player?.. no..

did he "deserve" to get hit from behind...nope again

did he fail to turn on purpose, hoping to get hit...well that ones ridiculous and doesnt deserve an answer

And yes, Kaleta is a pest, and yes he does instigate/draw penelties. Hes also smart enough not to retaliate. I cant count the times he has gotten us a powerplay by refusing to retaliate. Thats just a smart hockey play, and ultimately has led to many goals for the Sabres.

And for the record, if Kaleta feels he can best help his team by dropping the gloves, he is more than willing/capable of doing so. Is he the best fighter in the league? Obviously not, but he can hold is own when he decides to drop them

Since when is being smart, and not retaliating like these other goons and hurting your team a bad thing?

Just my thoughts on Kaleta...


of course you're going to defend him, you're a Sabres fan. You'll defend all your players, every fan does but come on he is a dirty player. One of the top 10 worst players in the league

Walter what Kaleta did was just as bad as a player cutting through the middle of the ice on a suicide pass.

Like I said, Max shouldn't have hit him, but Patrick made no effort to turn away from the boards.

You play hockey right? I play senior, and number one rule is be aware. Head on a swivel, dig, chip, and get out! Not dig chip and watch your work!

Don't let your fan bias get in the way of right and wrong.

I've seen Kaleta play on many occasions. I'm just seeing what I saw.
I'd love to have him on my team, as I would Avery. They are great for your team, but Kaleta does take some runs that are not clean.

I'm not saying he deserved it, but players don't get that much attention if the hits are all clean. Look at Phaneuf. He's not run at every single game, nor do his clean brutal hits create such a stir. I'm sure he did something to Max to get him upset and therefore he got hit illegally.

That's my only point here.

I watched the game on the CBC feed and Bob Cole et. al. didn't say anything about the hit being dirty. (Not criticizing, just saying what the CBC announcers' take was).

He put himself in a very vulnerable position...isn't this his 2nd concussion this year? I love his game play but he's going to have to change his game somewhat in order to save his career from being cut short.

I don't care who the player involved is,Sooner or later somebody is gonna get put into a wheel chair with hits like this,then what is the nhl going to do,sit and think about it and have more meetings with the GM'S before they actually do something?
Its time that they start suspending players a minimum of 5 games for hits like this to get the message across.
Hits to the head should have the gulity party sit out the same amount of games as the injured player sits out or have an automatic 10 - whatever game suspension!

I don't care who the player involved is,Sooner or later somebody is gonna get put into a wheel chair with hits like this,then what is the nhl going to do,sit and think about it and have more meetings with the GM'S before they actually do something?
Its time that they start suspending players a minimum of 5 games for hits like this to get the message across.
Hits to the head should have the gulity party sit out the same amount of games as the injured player sits out or have an automatic 10 - whatever game suspension!


Thank you...exactly how I feel, you should be suspended for however long the person you injured is out.

And Rich you pretty much covered everything on Kaleta.

People don't insult Kaleta saying he is dirty. He's smart. Because he doesn't take dumb retaliation penalties, means he's a bum on skates? Gimme a break. Learn the game people. It's called being smart. And I'm not just defending my home team, I'm defending a player like him who is smart, and tries to avoid confrontation. He throws huge CLEAN checks, and others get irritated with them, and cheap shot him. Even a Habs fan just agreed that it was a horrible hit. Get real people. Lapierre's hit was dirty, and deserves a suspension. It was totally uncalled for

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJLFQxbWYE4

i found something

thanks for the video. In all honesty that is one the of dirtiest hits Ive seen in a while..

I will admit there may be some bias in my defense of Kaleta, but one of the reasons I like Kaleta alot is that his hits are CLEAN. Never have I seen him take a run at a guy like this.

top 10 worst players in the league? I think not. If somebody can find some proof of Kaleta being "Avery-like", or dirty then please share as I would like to see it. He hits guys hard. I have never heard of a strong check being dirty. Hits from behind though...always dirty and uncalled for.

Also, I dont think he put himself in that situation. He was along the boards trying to make a play. Any player, in any given game could be in exactly the same situation.

Despite my potential biases, I do know "right" from "wrong", and simply put, it is wrong to hit a guy from behind and smash his face into the glass causing a concussion...

just because people hit, or fight doesn't mean dirty. Kaleta (if buffalo makes the playoffs) can cause a huge fit. (Kronwall last year). Physical play is a must! This was a dirty hit IMO

Thanks for posting the video. And I agree with Rich. If you can prove to me where Kaleta has been "Avery-like" I'd LOVE to see it.

In response to the thought that Kaleta "wont fight" or runs from confrontation...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md-k908ND18&feature=related

Rich has me covered on this thread lol

I try D-Rock..I just dont understand how people call him dirty, or say he backs away from confrontation. He just plays the situation the best he can to help his team. Just because he decides not to fight somebody in order to preserve a sabres powerplay opportunity doesnt make him less of a man lol.

Would I hate Kaleta if he wasnt a Sabre? Probably...but not because hes "cheap"..

Because he's an irritator...he gets under other players skin to draw penalties and help his team...that doesn't make him any less tough than he really is.

outside opinion...TERRIBLY dirty hit. 100% deserves a suspension. saw numbers the whole way, kaleta had no chance. and seriously anyone who calls kaleta "avery-like" is dead wrong. avery brings everything to a whole other level of idiocracy. kaleta is a good agitator but is smart about it.

outside opinion...TERRIBLY dirty hit. 100% deserves a suspension. saw numbers the whole way, kaleta had no chance. and seriously anyone who calls kaleta "avery-like" is dead wrong. avery brings everything to a whole other level of idiocracy. kaleta is a good agitator but is smart about it.


For everyone who has been saying just me and Rich (Walter Sobchak) have been defending someone from our team, you just heard a KINGS fan agree with us.

Don't want to defend Lapierre here, but every player who try to protect the puck this way should expect a cheap hit. You cannot protect the puck with your back exposed like that, what the other player has to do, just waiting till until he leaves with the puck?

You can't hit people like that. Period end of story, regardless of the situation the player is in. If he has his back turned, you don't hit him face first into the boards. Thats intent to injure in my opinion

Wow Rich and D-Rock, seems like I've missed a lot in this thread haha I'll do my best to catch up here.
Alright first off, after watching the video, it isn't even a debate that this was a dirty hit that deserves a suspension.
In response to an earlier post that stated that Kaleta is on his 2nd concussion and should change the way he plays to preserve his career I have several thoughts. The only reason Kaleta has had 2 concussions is because of 2 dirty hits. The first time, Volchenkov CLEARLY left his feet to make the hit on Kaleta. I think he should've also gotten suspended because if you look at the tape, you can't argue that he left his feet making it a dirty play.
To those who say Kaleta is Avery-like I also have a couple things to say. Kaletaand Avery are both clearly agitators but Avery is an agitator in a COMPLETELY different way. Avery waved his stick in from of Marty Brodeurs face and called his former girlfriend his sloppy seconds. Need I say more?

Steve

Ahhh the sloppy seconds. I wish Dion Phaneuf would run Avery over for that one.

in response to the last 3 posts...how many of you have watched Kaleta play more than a game or two?

If you have, and know anything about hockey, then you wouldnt call him a "bum on skates"

Does Kaleta go around and hit everything he sees? Yes..

Is he a dirty player?.. yes..

did he "deserve" to get hit from behind...of course




I agree with you!

he neevr said that.. you changed it up.. mmk

I found one with decent quality

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qndkyBZP74

Polamalu- I dont appreciate being quoted, and having you change the entire quote. Im not really sure what youre trying to add to the coversation by doing that, but please stop

Polamalu- I dont appreciate being quoted, and having you change the entire quote. Im not really sure what youre trying to add to the coversation by doing that, but please stop

wow...... it was joke...
I didn't think you'd take it like that... we're talking about a 4th line hockey player... nothing very serious...

Is it any surprise that Montreal would take a cheapshot? Look at the season in review, the have at least five minutes of highlight reel of possible career ending cheapshots. The mentallity of how they play the game reflects the level of intelligence the team has. I kinda liked Lappierre or whoever that was but now he blends in with the rest of those idiots like the Koistysens, Koutstopouloulouls, and pretty much the rest of the team. I really feel sorry for a guy like Price in a situation like that. Even Kovy says their is no dicipline on the team. I think what Montreal needs is an 8 game series with the Broad Street Bullies, that would give them something to think about. The worst part of it is that one day they are going to hurt some kid really bad. What if we lose Tavares to those clowns, come on seriously these guys and the coach should almost be up for a leauge review before someone is out perminatly or worse.

I like Kaleta and the hit was dirty - but any Sabres fan saying he isn't dirty himself, is just being a homer.

Do I love having him on my team? Yes
Do I love his style of play? Yes
Do I think he goes out of his way to hit people? Yes

Kaleta is going to have a target on his back every game he plays until he proves he isn't out there just to run people and backs it up with his gloves off more often.

Again I like him, he plays for my team - but him being a pansy for example on Friday night against Brad May is sad.

Don't want to defend Lapierre here, but every player who try to protect the puck this way should expect a cheap hit. You cannot protect the puck with your back exposed like that, what the other player has to do, just waiting till until he leaves with the puck?

no they shouldn't. its in the rules. checking from behind is illegal. how would you like him to protect the puck then?

wow...... it was joke...
I didn't think you'd take it like that... we're talking about a 4th line hockey player... nothing very serious...

when a player takes a violent hit like that, it is always serious. i don't care who takes the hit, whether its kaleta or crosby, its not funny. the one exception to it being funny would be avery.

CNS Hockey - if you are going to make a statement in which you say "It's not funny whether its Crosby or Kaleta" than you have no right to point to Avery and say its ok for him to take the hit too.

I'm a Flyers fan and HATE playing Avery. But, he's doing his job and he loves the game. We need the antagonizers in the league to stay. We need the DIRTY dangerous hits to go, but I'm ok with some of the dirty cheap shots as long as it's not an injury threatenng hit. Head shots are a must, and I wish that on no one.

In Philly we've seen far too wrong happen with head injuries (Lindros and Premieau). No one deserves to have their LIFE outside of hockey taken from them for a dirty hit. Avery isn't even dirty he's just a great antagonizer. Everytime the flyers play avery he doesn't go out of his way to hit anyone, in fact he's always in solid posiiton.

Many poeple in this thread need to realize that this is a lose-lose conversation. Just agree to disagree and go on your way.

deal?

CNS Hockey - if you are going to make a statement in which you say "It's not funny whether its Crosby or Kaleta" than you have no right to point to Avery and say its ok for him to take the hit too.

I'm a Flyers fan and HATE playing Avery. But, he's doing his job and he loves the game. We need the antagonizers in the league to stay. We need the DIRTY dangerous hits to go, but I'm ok with some of the dirty cheap shots as long as it's not an injury threatenng hit. Head shots are a must, and I wish that on no one.

In Philly we've seen far too wrong happen with head injuries (Lindros and Premieau). No one deserves to have their LIFE outside of hockey taken from them for a dirty hit. Avery isn't even dirty he's just a great antagonizer. Everytime the flyers play avery he doesn't go out of his way to hit anyone, in fact he's always in solid posiiton.

Many poeple in this thread need to realize that this is a lose-lose conversation. Just agree to disagree and go on your way.

deal?

okay, okay. it really was a joke. my point was supposed to be that it doesnt matter who it is getting hit. polamalu said it "wasnt serious" because he was a 4th liner. it is serious no matter what situation or who it is

WOW , it will be the only time in Lapierre's career that people will talk about him !

He should be happy about it :sign0020:

when a player takes a violent hit like that, it is always serious. i don't care who takes the hit, whether its kaleta or crosby, its not funny. the one exception to it being funny would be avery.

I know the hit itself is not funny... I was talking about the player not the hit.
and it's not like Kaleta never gave that kind of hit
when I see Avery, Ott, Kaleta, Kasparaitis, claude lemieux etc... I tell to myself.. well... they always give dirty hits.. it's just normal that people will want to hurt them back...

I would say about 99% of Kaleta's hits are CLEAN. He just hammers people cleanly, and irritates people so they retaliate.

Show me a video of a dirty hit from Kaleta please.

I would say about 99% of Kaleta's hits are CLEAN. He just hammers people cleanly, and irritates people so they retaliate.

Show me a video of a dirty hit from Kaleta please.

I know you'll say it was not dirty... hehe
well it wasn't very very dirty but still it deserved the 2 minutes for charging....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFWLTYfMlc

and this is the one that I will always remember and made me an official kaleta hater (I'd love him if he was a hab though :whistle:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf_f5O53UGo&feature=related

no they shouldn't. its in the rules. checking from behind is illegal. how would you like him to protect the puck then?

I know it's illegal, but when a player's going for the puck and the other player just turn his back to it, it's not always easy to avoid hit like this. Game is pretty face. I really don't like to see things like this, but I think sometimes, players have to protect themselves, not just turn around and say, 'like this, you can't hit me'

WOW , it will be the only time in Lapierre's career that people will talk about him !

He should be happy about it :sign0020:

I guess you already said that he sucks somewhere, like you did with all the Habs players :winking0071:

I know it's illegal, but when a player's going for the puck and the other player just turn his back to it, it's not always easy to avoid hit like this. Game is pretty face. I really don't like to see things like this, but I think sometimes, players have to protect themselves, not just turn around and say, 'like this, you can't hit me'

its the EASIEST thing to avoid a hit like that. its called DON'T HIT THEM IF YOU SEE NUMBERS.

Cnshockey is exactly right. If you see numbers, don't hit them. It's that simple. Think of someones career. Once someone you actually like gets hit like that, and gets seriously injured, I'll say I told you so. Then you'll agree. Until then, whatever, defend Lapierre for his dirty hit.

Cnshockey is exactly right. If you see numbers, don't hit them. It's that simple. Think of someones career. Once someone you actually like gets hit like that, and gets seriously injured, I'll say I told you so. Then you'll agree. Until then, whatever, defend Lapierre for his dirty hit.

In USA hockey, kids are required to wear stop signs on the back of their jerseys so they don't get hit from behind? Effective? yes. Should it be in the NHL? no. if players still need to learn to not hit from behind, they have no place in the league

Very good input with the youth hockey standpoint, as I played for 10 years, had to stop due to what else? Concussions. They can end peoples careers real fast.

Very good input with the youth hockey standpoint, as I played for 10 years, had to stop due to what else? Concussions. They can end peoples careers real fast.

Two words. Eric Lindross

I'll try to explain my point of view a little bit clearer (english is not my first language). I'm not defending Lapierre or any other players who hits from behind. If the same thing happens to a Habs players, i'll keep the same opinion.

I totally agree that you have to avoid the hit in the back. What I'm saying it's you shouldn't put yourself in a vulnerable position when you know you gonna get hit. Don't show your back and put your face on the glass. You have to protect yourself.

I'll try to explain my point of view a little bit clearer (english is not my first language). I'm not defending Lapierre or any other players who hits from behind. If the same thing happens to a Habs players, i'll keep the same opinion.

I totally agree that you have to avoid the hit in the back. What I'm saying it's you shouldn't put yourself in a vulnerable position when you know you gonna get hit. Don't show your back and put your face on the glass. You have to protect yourself.

but in doing this, kaleta would not have been able to make a play. the puck was coming around the boards. had he been facing lapierre his feet would have to be on the boards and he wouldn't be able to make a play.

I'll try to explain my point of view a little bit clearer (english is not my first language). I'm not defending Lapierre or any other players who hits from behind. If the same thing happens to a Habs players, i'll keep the same opinion.

I totally agree that you have to avoid the hit in the back. What I'm saying it's you shouldn't put yourself in a vulnerable position when you know you gonna get hit. Don't show your back and put your face on the glass. You have to protect yourself.

I understand that you're trying not to defend Lapierre but if it's all the same, you still are. Watch the video yourself. While it's no question that it was a dirty hit as you have agreed, what many people fail to mention is that he wasn't even right against the boards. Kaleta was a good 2-3 feet away from the boards when the hit took place meaning that Lapierre had to have put even more force behind his hit to put him into the glass the way he did. It's inexcusable.

Steve

Two words. Eric Lindross

Two more words. Pat LaFontaine.

Steve

How about Steve Moore?

Anybody remember that incident?

Wasn't a hit from behind along the boards, but Bertuzzi slammed him head first into the ice from behind, and what happened there? Moore's done forever. Career gone. Such a young kid, has his skill stolen from him. If these dirty hits keep going without punishment, more of that is going to happen. And I as a hockey fan don't want to see that happen to anyone at all. Whether it be a Sabres player, my favorite guy, or most hated guy. No one deserves that at all.

How about Steve Moore?

Anybody remember that incident?

Wasn't a hit from behind along the boards, but Bertuzzi slammed him head first into the ice from behind, and what happened there? Moore's done forever. Career gone. Such a young kid, has his skill stolen from him. If these dirty hits keep going without punishment, more of that is going to happen. And I as a hockey fan don't want to see that happen to anyone at all. Whether it be a Sabres player, my favorite guy, or most hated guy. No one deserves that at all.

Somewhat related - I never knew Dominic was Steve's brother until he was traded to Buffalo

I didn't know that either. And I've been an Avs fan since I was like 3 years old, so the Steve Moore incident is something I won't forget.

I didn't know that either. And I've been an Avs fan since I was like 3 years old, so the Steve Moore incident is something I won't forget.

Wasn't so much a hit from behind as it was a punch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMvOd3qde6k&feature=related


but back to the topic. That was a very dirty hit and has no place in the game. Along with head shots

No offense to you honestly but this post is pretty ridiculous on the whole...

worse (not worst) than Avery? Youve got to be joking right?

and comparing Kaleta to idiots like Avery and Downie?

oh and the most ridiculous part of your post... "kaleta had it coming (boarding)"...no explanation needed to illustrate why I find this ridiculous

Yep. Kaleta is just like DOWNIE and AVERY. Don't tell me otherwise. I've seen him enough to judge.

Kaleta hits refs and calls out players... yep he is so Downie and Avery... yea right..

I like Kaleta and the hit was dirty - but any Sabres fan saying he isn't dirty himself, is just being a homer.

Do I love having him on my team? Yes
Do I love his style of play? Yes
Do I think he goes out of his way to hit people? Yes

Kaleta is going to have a target on his back every game he plays until he proves he isn't out there just to run people and backs it up with his gloves off more often.

Again I like him, he plays for my team - but him being a pansy for example on Friday night against Brad May is sad.

Thank you. Nothing wrong with the way he plays. Hes an agitator. He did it well. However don't you dare tell me for one minute he is not dirty.

Well im going to dare and say he isn't dirty, at least not Downie like. Avery isn't as dirty as a PLAYER much less a human.

Yep. Kaleta is just like DOWNIE and AVERY. Don't tell me otherwise. I've seen him enough to judge.

Do you have any idea how ridiculous that is? Downie is just a downright dirty player. To be honest, I don't have much of a problem with Avery because, most of the time anyways, Averys hits are clean or if they aren't he takes the penalty for it. Avery is an agitator on the ice. That is the only way I feel Avery and Kaleta are similar. To me it is the methods that Avery Avery will constantly make dirty hits and take stupid penalties that put his team in a position to lose. In that regard, Kaleta is nothing like Avery. Kaleta may take penalties every once in a while but from what I have seen, a majority of those penalties are for things like tripping or hooking which are excusable penalties, not penalties for hitting people from behind that are inexcusable like Avery and Downie do. I will acknowledge that Kaleta HAS made several dirty hits for which he was rightfully penalized. I do not think that makes him a dirty player.

Steve

I will acknowledge that Kaleta HAS made several dirty hits for which he was rightfully penalized. I do not think that makes him a dirty player.

Steve


So a dirty hit does not make him a dirty player? What constitutes a dirty player in your opinion? I'm just curious.

I'm gonna redirect the conversation here a little bit. Did anybody notice that Lapierre did not get suspended for the hit? Is it because of who he hit? As far as i'm concerned that should have been at least a game suspension. More realistically if you want try and curb the hits from behind 2-3 games.

I'm gonna redirect the conversation here a little bit. Did anybody notice that Lapierre did not get suspended for the hit? Is it because of who he hit? As far as i'm concerned that should have been at least a game suspension. More realistically if you want try and curb the hits from behind 2-3 games.

This is my exact protest and the entire reason for this thread...Lapierre deserved to be suspended AT LEAST one game. Only a 2 minute penalty for a hit like that? Disgusts me.

So a dirty hit does not make him a dirty player? What constitutes a dirty player in your opinion? I'm just curious.

No it does not. Erik Cole has made several dirty hits throughout his career. Would you say that he is a dirty player? I think not. My point is that making an occasional dirty hit doesn't make that player dirty. To me, a dirty player is someone who makes those kinds of hits on a more frequent basis or is well known throughout the league for throwing hits that are dirty such as head shots and hits from behind.
A player like Brenden Witt who has thrown several cheap shots that have resulted in injury is who I would consider dirty.

Steve

Kaleta is just another one of these players that will run all over the ice, run his mouth but wont drop the mits. Hes an agitator and he does his job effectively, he draws penalties because ppl wanna beat the tar outa him. Although what he does is effective its not the kind of hockey i like to watch.

I believe someone already posted a video of Kaleta dropping the gloves, and fighting, so don't say he doesn't

Indeed I did....when Kaleta fights, he does so fairly well. Compared to other players who fight every time they get the chance, and get beat down 80% of the time..Id rather have the guy that only fights every once in a while and can hold his own when he does

I agree 100% on that one

Kaleta is just another one of these players that will run all over the ice, run his mouth but wont drop the mits. Hes an agitator and he does his job effectively, he draws penalties because ppl wanna beat the tar outa him. Although what he does is effective its not the kind of hockey i like to watch.

Excuse me but do you hear yourself? Since when does Kaleta run his mouth? I understand being a Leafs fan you've seen your fair share of Kaleta. But really? When has Kaleta EVER run his mouth? And as Derrick just said, there's already a video on here of Kaleta fighting. If that's not enough proof then here's a couple more videos of Kaleta fighting:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJlrxI7YzCQ


And Kaleta doesn't drop the gloves huh?

Steve

http://www.youtube.com/v/7akZKV0FqLw&hl=en&fs=1


Steve

Kaleta does drop the gloves. Just because he doesn't do it on a weekly basis, doesn't mean he doesn't fight at all.

Agreed Derrick.

Pat Kaleta has a reputation for late hits. I concur that some of the things he does are a touch late, and sometimes borderline. (Kaleta boarding call on Brind'Amour in CAR v BUF I think on 2/26)

But the fact that Kaleta doesn't act in retaliation, doesn't waste powerplays by taking offsetting penalties... that doesn't make him dumb. It doesn't make him a *****. It makes him a smart player. He'll never have the scoring talent of a Crosby, he'll never have the size of a Chara, but he plays the game with a forethought and intelligence that not many other players in the league do. Sure he could do with backing up his game with his fists a little more, even folks in Buffalo would like to see him do it, just to remind them that he's as much bite as he is bark.

But it's more the fact that no player DESERVES to receive an intent to injure type hit, no player DESERVES a concussion.

And the NHL needs to get past it's duplicity when it comes to enforcing the game. They scream about injuries from fighting (actually less than 1% of NHL injuries) but when it comes to things like this, they turn out to be more bark than bite, and look the other way, because the player being hit isn't a Brind'Amour, isn't a Crosby, isn't a Neidermayer.

Doesn't matter if you're Sidney Crosby, Steve Downie, or Joe Schmoe. The NHL should be actually and aggressively protecting ALL their players from actions like this.

Estovia, I couldn't agree more. The NHL needs to make examples of people who throw checks from behind like this one otherwise it will continue and in my opinion, it could get even worse.

I also like the points you made in relation to Kaleta playing a smart game within himself. In my opinion, if that is what he does, playing to his strengths and helping the team that way, then I don't see how that makes him a bad player to have on my roster.

Steve

I agree 100% with Estovia. The NHL needs to protect all players equally no matter who they are. One day Crosby is going to get hit like this, and I bet the NHL goes crazy with a huge suspension and publicity.

ALL cheap shots need to be addressed, not matter who the players involved are.

No need to post really...D-Rock, and Steve-O got it handled lol

Also, Estovia that was very well stated, and I couldnt agree with you more. Thanks for the input