More on Johnson/Smyth
Following up on the Jack Johnson hit, which caused Colorado's Ryan Smyth to leave the game on the stretcher -- plus the ensuing incident involving Johnson, Ian Laperriere and Rob Blake -- here's what the Associated Press story had to say, with locker-room reaction...
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Johnson felt bad about the check that sent Smyth sprawling to the ice.
However, he knew what was coming next. Clean hit or not, a fight had to happen. It's part of hockey's code.
But there's honor among fighters, and Laperriere extended Johnson the courtesy of deciding when the brawl would occur.
"He came up to me and said, 'Do you want to get it over with?'" Johnson said. "I said, 'Sure.'"
The fight never took place as Rob Blake stepped in and played the role of peacemaker, quickly breaking up the fracas. He didn't want to see his young defenseman get hurt by the fists of Laperriere. Not for what he thought was a clean hit.
"Unfortunately, Ryan got hurt on the play, and nobody wants to see that," said Blake, a former Avalanche player. "Jack is a young guy and I think we need to let the situation go."
That was difficult for the Avalanche.
"It doesn't matter if it's clean or not clean, it's a big hit on one of our big players and he got injured and someone had to do something," Laperriere said. "I felt like it had to be me. Jack knew exactly that someone had to come."
He knew all right. That's why he was willing to drop the gloves and take his lumps.
"The kid knew exactly where I was coming from," Laperriere said. "He wanted to fight and Blake came right in there. I have so much respect for Blake. I knew he wasn't going to punch me."
Here's the full Associated Press story from tonight:
DENVER (AP) _ Soon after scoring his second goal of the game, Ryan Smyth was being taken off the ice on a stretcher after a violent check.
The Colorado Avalanche were still troubled by the image even after their 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.
"It was scary," said Ian Laperriere, whose team snapped a four-game home losing streak. with the win "You hate seeing that happen. It's a bad feeling."
Smyth was injured when Los Angeles defenseman Jack Johnson checked him into the glass at the end of the Avalanche bench late in the second period.
The Colorado forward lay motionless on the ice for several minutes as trainers rushed out to attend to him. The Avalanche reported that he was conscious and walking, but was sent to the hospital for further examination.
"I saw him walking around, so that's great," Adam Foote said.
Johnson felt bad about the check that sent Smyth sprawling to the ice.
However, he knew what was coming next. Clean hit or not, a fight had to happen. It's part of hockey's code.
But there's honor among fighters, and Laperriere extended Johnson the courtesy of deciding when the brawl would occur.
"He came up to me and said, 'Do you want to get it over with?'" Johnson said. "I said, 'Sure.'"
The fight never took place as Rob Blake stepped in and played the role of peacemaker, quickly breaking up the fracas. He didn't want to see his young defenseman get hurt by the fists of Laperriere. Not for what he thought was a clean hit.
"Unfortunately, Ryan got hurt on the play, and nobody wants to see that," said Blake, a former Avalanche player. "Jack is a young guy and I think we need to let the situation go."
That was difficult for the Avalanche.
"It doesn't matter if it's clean or not clean, it's a big hit on one of our big players and he got injured and someone had to do something," Laperriere said. "I felt like it had to be me. Jack knew exactly that someone had to come."
He knew all right. That's why he was willing to drop the gloves and take his lumps.
"The kid knew exactly where I was coming from," Laperriere said. "He wanted to fight and Blake came right in there. I have so much respect for Blake. I knew he wasn't going to punch me."
Smyth wasn't the only banged up Avalanche player on Saturday. The team also lost Marek Svatos, who injured his right knee after assisting on Ruslan Salei's first goal in an Avalanche sweater midway through the second period.
"It would be tough if the guys were out for any amount of time," said Joe Sakic, who scored a third-period goal, his ninth of the season. "But we've dealt with injuries all year. You have to play through it and persevere."
The Avalanche could soon be receiving a boost from Peter Forsberg, who went through a 60-minute workout session Saturday morning. The Swedish forward said he could possibly make his Colorado debut Tuesday night against Vancouver.
"Peter Forsberg at 80 percent is better than anybody," Laperriere said. "He's so talented. It's better for him to take his time and come back when he's ready."
Colorado has won three straight since the signing of Forsberg and the acquisitions of Salei and Foote at the trade deadline.
Foote remains a fan favorite and highlights of his first stint with Colorado were shown on the scoreboard during the first period. The crowd erupted and Foote acknowledged the applause by standing up in the bench area and waving his stick.
"It's great to be back," said Foote, who had an assist on Smyth's second goal, his first point as a member of Colorado since April 22, 2004. "It was good to add to the offense."
Notes: Avalanche forward Jordan Leopold set a new high with three assists. ... Goalie Jose Theodore won his third straight start, matching his longest streak of the season. ... Blake and Michael Cammalleri scored for the Kings. ... It was Smyth's second multi-goal game of the season, both coming against the Kings.
Thanks for that info. It verifies to me that Blake was acting properly as a Captain to step in and stop Lappy and JJ going at it.
Lappy was doing what was expected by the Avs and Blake understood that and knew you don't risk an injury to JJ by getting the crap knocked out of him. Some fans wanted that fight to take place and would have been stupid.
I realize this is an AP story and all (available without this blog), but I don't have any "AP NHL Kings news" Bookmark ('Favorites') on my browser toolbar.
So I click on my "Inside Kings" button and I get access to this kind of excellent information (which I don't see posted on the 'other' boards yet as I post this).
Thanks Rich, you are The Man.
If Blake would have punched Lappy, it would have fixed his nose.
Although I hate to see someone get hurt the way Smyth did, life has a way of even-ing things out, doesn't it? When Smyth speared JLB in the ribs-it was a dirty deed. This check was a clean hit, yet some higher power paid him back.
I didn't see nor do I think that there was any ill intent there from any King but isn't it ironic that Smyth gets hurt after being the one that hurt LaBabs a while ago?
Hope he recovers quickly, I hate seeing players prone and heading towards the ice without their helmets on, scary stuff.
The hit was unfortunate and was not dirty at all, but does anyone else sort of get the feeling this was karma getting Smyth back for his pitchforking of Labarbera? I know, I know, shame on me for even thinking that, but knowing now that Smyth is (for the most part) okay, the thought kind of creeps into my head...
Who wrote this crap? Take his lumps my ass. I still have mad respect for Lappy, especially after his quotes, but cmon... he isn't exactly Derek Boogard.
Big props to JJ for respecting the code and being more then willing to oblige.
Props to Lappy for doing what he needed to do, and handling it with 'honor' instead jumping JJ .
Piss on Blake for disrespecting JJ and making him look like a boy.
I understand why Blake did it, but let the man be a man and handle his business.
I think what Blake did was honorable. As a captain he knew that JJ's hit was clean and unfortunate for Smyth but he wasnt about to let a "pugalistic" Lappy go out and hurt JJ in a fight. He did the appropriate thing and stood up for his teammate! Two thumbs up to Blake!! all the best to smyth!
Ryan
WHA?
are you like 18? or what?
Props to everyone except the one who stopped further bloodshed????
I don't like blake this season but cmon....grow the f*k up
Just read about Matt, that's really too bad. What's up with the newspaper business? It must really be like "The Wire." Best of luck to him, I will miss his reporting.
Thanks
The problem with Blake's actions, beyond making it look like Johnson wouldn't fight his own fight, is that now Colorado will be looking for revenge down the road.
Since we don't play them again this season, it'll be next season, but it will come.
And I don't hear anyone asking why Thornton or someone didn't go after the Avs player who check Frolov into the exact same place in the exact same way earlier in the game. The only difference was Frolov didn't get hurt.
We all remember Lappy as a willing fighter, but not necessarily a talented one. I think JJ could have more than held his own if given the chance.
Now it's a different story if it had been that talentless goon Parker...I wonder if he's in a ZZ Top tribute band in his spare time.
I'm no fan of Blakes, but what he did show alot class and leadership. I only hoped he showed more of that style earlier this season.
As far as Smyth is concerned. Nobody likes to see anybody get injured. But he had it coming to him after the Labarbera incident. His play was dirtier than JJ's.
Hah, anyone think Blake would have stepped in to break this up if he had been traded/loaned to the Avs?
Pretty nice to see him command so much respect in this league, all of the chirping he takes from us notwithstanding.
-Ryan, just think if it turns out that in that fight Lappy knocks out JJ (which is entirely possible with both players fighting experience) & Blake's standing right there. Can you even imagine what kind of heat he'd get from Kings fans on these hockey boards the rest of his career??! He just felt JJ did nothing wrong so shouldn't be left a bloody pulp...especially when we've got another hockey game to play in less then 24 hours. Blake did good!
Isn't it a coincidence that about a week or two ago Colorado was praising Laperriere for his hit on Lidstrom.
hey Ryan,
Once again you're making this about blake right? Why don't you cut the guy some slack?
-- Hey Matt, if I'm 18 does your mom still hand feed you your Cheerios?
Hockey is what it is. EVERYONE knew something would happen including Johnson, clean hit or not. Lappy himself clearly stated that it was something that needed to be done and he felt he had to be the guy to do it.
It wasn't like Lappy was out to board him or take a cheap swing at him. He asked him if he was ready and Johnson said sure.
Any NHL player is expected to own up to any action, clean or not, and doing so gains you respect for yourself and your team.
--Dorian, Blake stepping in was admirable, but not required and one of the results is exactly what I said... it made JJ look like a boy needing to be protected. Disagree with that and your blind stupidity is worse then me "making this about blake".
-- John, yea there is a chance that JJ could get hurt in a fight. Theres a chance any player could get hurt in a fight. Maybe fighting should be banned from hockey... What's your thoughts on bodychecking?
Seriously, the last time I checked, the NHL was a man's league. There are unspoken codes and subsequent reactions.
If the situation was reversed every King's fan would expect something, clean or not. While we don't wish harm on anyone, we would expect someone like Ivanans, Thorton or even JJ to send the proverbial "message". A clean fight and be done with it.
Ryan- they took shots at JJ from the check on till the end of the game! A lot of them cheap too- Kopy took an elbow to the chin & a couple other runs. Their goon was out there a ton in the 3rd seeking Jack out. So when is JJ "paid back"? When somebody on the Avs fights him? Blake stepping in didn't make Jack look like a little boy, it said "we're a team & we're not going to let you kick our stud young dman's ass BECAUSE he's a stud youg dman!". If there's an unspoken code that plays out like YOU say, when did Smyth get his for breaking his stick off in LaBarbera's ribs thus rendering him an inaffective goalie ever since??
Paul (commenter above):
Ironically, the player who checked Frolov in the exact same manner in the exact same spot earlier was... Ian Laperriere.
I don't get this stupid "hockey code" crap sometimes. If it were a dirty check, then yes, something has to be done about it. But EVERYONE should have been able to see that it was an unfortunate accident.
BTW, where was Smyth's helmet when his head hit the ice? These players should be wearing their chinstrap right against their chin, not dangling three inches below. If your helmet isn't on your head and your head hits the ice, it can't really protect you...
John --
Cheap shots on Johnson? I have the game DVRd and have watched it several times. When exactly did this happen? I saw a few times when Avs players finished their checks on him. Is that not part of the game anymore either? Do you feel Brown's check on Erat in retaliation of Erats ACCIDENTAL hit on Kopitar excessive or uncalled for? I'm willing to bet you as well as EVERY OTHER Kings fan expected something to be done in that case, but yet when the situation is reversed different rules apply?
Their goon was out there alot? Granted, he played more in the 3rd, but what exactly did he do? Push and shove with Dallman...?
I do admire what Blake did. Of course we want to see players stand up for each other and rightfully so. HOWEVER...
As I said before, it wasn't like Lappy jumped JJ. It's not like players where taking runs, throwing elbows or any other unscrupolous act of vengence.
Lapperriere as well as JJ both acknowledged the unwritten code (like it or not). Lapperriere asked if JJ was ready to dance and JJ said "SURE".
Was JJ in need of "protection" or in need of Blake to come to his defense?
Last I heard, JJ is a man. He plays with an edge and knows he has to answer the bell when someone comes calling and one of the characterisitcs I like about him is his willingness to oblige any challenger.
This is the difference between someone of Claude Lemiuex's character and Chris Chelios or Jarome Iginla. How many times did Phaneuf or Pronger need people to come to their defense?
I KNOW what you who support Blake's actions are saying. It was admirable and yes JJ is a young, core defenseman on this team.
BUT...
It's also about earning respect from not only your teammates, but the rest of the league as well.
I can already mind-read the "who cares about respect" threads. Lol, go cheer for John Zeiler in that case.
Oh and Dorian, I've been one of the few Blake supporters this year so I'm not sure where you get your 411 from. Maybe from the same place that makes you feel Tom Preissing shoud've been at the All-Star game...
John (pt 2) --
In regards to the Smyth/Labs incident...
You just identified ONE of the reasons this team dwells at the bottom on the NHL.
AND, your sarcasm seem to question the existence of the unspoken codes of hockey. Did you just get into the sport this year? Do you play in a non-contact roller hockey league at your church?
Not being sarcastic, but asking a serious question here....
Too bad for Smythe. Poetic justice. He pitchforked Barbs and got his head smacked. Too damn bad. I don't think many Avs players or fans were crying when Barbs ribs were split?
It was a clean hit by JJ. Blake did absolutely the right thing by stepping in. He didn't make JJ look like a boy...far from it. JJ was ready to go. He dropped the gloves and unlike a lot of p*ssy's in the league, was ready to take his helmet and mask off.
Blake's the captain and is supposed to defend his players. If it was Ivanans maybe that would be different. Their will be plenty of times JJ gets into fights in this league..last night didn't need to be one of them.
Also back to the point of Kopitar: Peter McNabb was calling him great all night. He also said that you can talk about Kopitar in the same breath as Crosby and Malkin he's that good. ....High praise from another team's announcer.
Blake did the right thing. He's captain and doesn't want one of the young stars hurt. Would anyone complain if it was Cammy or Fro taking a hit on a guy and Blake stepping in to stop him from getting pummelled? no.
That's the sort of thing that earns him the "C". His play this year hasn't but after his injury he's played better.
Great hit by JMFJ though. I really dislkie Smyth and loved the hit. Never like to see anyone taken off on a stretcher though.
How was it a "great hit?" He did nothing more than rub him out, at full speed albeit, but any other place on the rink and nothing happens. Blake stepping in was garbage, he shoulda let J WTF J fight. Hell he shoulda stepped aside and let cLOLutier step in and handle laperriere.