Sean Avery never had a chance. The game was determined before the puck was even dropped. And the reason was #11 Referee Kelly Sutherland.
His last victim was Tomas Holmstrom. The last scene was May 14, 2008 in the Western Conference Finals. Referee Kelly Sutherland saw the number 96 on a player's back, determined that he was in the crease, and disallowed the critical Detroit goal. Sutherland, positioned somewhere on or behind the goal-line, could not have seen Holmstrom through the goalie's body. Holmstrom was not in the crease. Yes, he usually is. This time, he was not. Sutherland called Holmstrom based upon his reputation.
Sutherland even admits that he makes calls based on reputation. He wrote in ESPN: "WE KNOW WHAT YOU'RE UP TO - Before each game, we study lineups and history to see if there was a fight or a big hit in the last meeting. And when a guy like Sidney Crosby is playing, the other team will do just about anything to stop him."
The second period at the Garden was a joke to watch. Five penalties against the Rangers were called in circumstances that were inconsequential -- just simply should not be penalties during a playoff game. Blatant holding and interference by Cap players - in situations where scoring chances were either created or deprived - were ignored.
So, welcome to the NHL of Gary Bettman, where the league picks the Refs who will call penalties so that its stars are on NBC for weekend games. You think this is not on purpose? Gary recalls when he worked for the NBA, and how that league made it big by riding on high scoring Jordan verses Magic Johnson dream matches. Gary wants Ovi verses the Kid trading goals and rushes up and down the ice. That is why #11 was at the Garden even though he blew it last year big time.
Avery was guilty before he even laced up. Welcome to the new NHL.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Kelly Sutherland #11
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good point, but let's not forget that Tom Renney made a guest appearance behind the bench last night as well
Damned by his own words.
It's an uphill road for the Rangers. Their old demons of Renneyville, the refs, a confident Caps goalie with their O and Ovie coming alive.
Game 4 is big. They'll need all hands on deck. Maybe Gomez the $7M man will put in an appearance and drop a couple of dimes on the Caps?
Hopefully Drury does not dress. I assumed when he dressed last night that he had mended. I was wrong. Even Voros is more useful than a one-armed hockey player in the playoffs. See, Voros IS better...than...something...
That was a yucky game. The Rangers of old re-appeared, but I have enough faith to believe we won't see that version on Wednesday night.
Sutherland is definitely a joke, but let's not forget that all that matters at the end of the night is the scoreboard.
If the Rangers revert back to their 1-goal-a-night ways permanently, they'll probably be swinging golf clubs by next week, regardless of who the officials are or how many pucks the King heads up into the netting.
OK, now. Deep breath. We still lead the series. One win tomorrow night, and the series becomes a win 1-in-3 proposition. I think they're up to the task.
Um... you wonder why the officials keep an eye on Avery? First off Avery has no business being in the NHL. He makes it look bad. The guys an idiot.
Officials are there to call penalties and keep the game safe - not an easy job with jerks like Avery out there.
Avery is the idiot not the ref. (I love how fans blame it on officials when things don't go their way)