for leaving the bench on a legal line change to become involved in an altercation

What’s the fine for then, if it was deemed to be a legal line change?  There are multi-player scrums all the time, and nobody gets fined.  Not saying he doesn’t deserve a fine, but what was it for?

Posted by John W. from a bubble wrap cocoon on 12/13/11 at 02:05 PM ET

So glad the maximum fine is set at $2,500.

That’ll learn ‘em.

Posted by Link_Gaetz on 12/13/11 at 02:43 PM ET

During Shanaban videos, he always mentions the rule being invoked. Notice no rule is mentioned here.

Posted by Muero on 12/13/11 at 03:15 PM ET

@Muero

Point being?

also, wasn’t someone else fined/suspended for coming off the bench in a legal line change for the sole purpose of fighting someone? sorry, too lazy to go back and find it, I know KK mentioned it though.

Posted by pstumba on 12/13/11 at 03:19 PM ET

Just because someone has been suspended for this before (was it J-F Jacques?) doesn’t mean it’s right. The only way we know whether it was the correct decision is if the rule is given as evidence. The NHL should always give the reasoning to reduce confusion among the players and fans.

Posted by Muero on 12/13/11 at 06:42 PM ET

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/jean-francois_jacques_suspension_announced/

Well if you watch the video on Jacques, he states the rule, 70.1.

And while the number of the rule isn’t mentioned here(not even sure if this is an official release from the NHL) it pretty much says what the rule is. for leaving the bench on a legal line change to become involved in an altercation From reading that I would guess that that is something you can’t do.

This isnt a court of law…this is a media release.

Downie is lucky it was considered a legal line change in my opinion as he didn’t appear to be on the ice when the goal was scored. “Shanaban” gave him some leeway there because the bolts were allowed a line change during the stopage before the faceoff. If he calls it an illegal line change (like if 6 players from the bolts get in on scrum, not including the goalie) then its an auto 10 game suspension.

Posted by pstumba on 12/13/11 at 08:36 PM ET