Thomas and Price Take Foolish Risk

Tim Thomas and Carey Price were under the influence of sheer idiocy on Feb. 9.

The two net minders, watching a brawl involving their teammates, decided they wanted to be part of said brawl. So they skated to the middle of the arena and began to tussle.

Yes, they weren’t really angry with each other. Yes, it wasn’t a vicious fight; more of a test in strength and agility. Yes, they just wanted to give the fans a show. However, none of this excuses the goalies from this brainless mutual decision.

Here were the two leading candidates for the Vezina trophy fighting. Neither one thought about how they were risking their season and their team’s chances of making the playoffs, let alone being part of them.

One slip could’ve led to a season-ending concussion. One poorly executed haymaker could’ve led a shattered wrist.

Imagine the Boston Bruins without Tim Thomas. Backup Tuuka Rask is not having a good season. Imagine the Montreal Canadiens without Carey Price. Alex Auld is no Jacques Plante or even Jaroslav Halak.

It’s beyond foolishness.

Goalie fights (along with full-line brawls) are the latest NHL trend. I’m not even going to acknowledge the lunacy involving the Islanders and Penguins since many people, including Pens’ owner Mario Lemieux, have already voiced their concern.

It’s ridiculous how Thomas, Price, Brent Johnson and Rick DiPietro are willing to risk their seasons and/or careers (especially DiPietro) just to prove their machismo and show everyone their team players.

Goaltending is not cheap. It comes at a premium. It takes a certain kind of person and mindset to stand in front of a net and try to prevent a fast, harsh, black disc from getting past him or her. Winning teams start with goaltending and move on to defense, followed by their forwards. If the goaltending lacks confidence or skill, the team, regardless of how good the defense and forwards are, will find itself in last place.

A major portion of Boston and Montreal’s success this season can be attributed to the play of Thomas and Price. And it’s surprising how the Bruins and Habs were not concerned that their star goalies took a thoughtless gamble.

A goaltender should stay in the crease when a fight or fights breakout. They should never leave the crease. Of course, the NHL has a rule that follows such thought. But goalies break the rule because the punishment is weak.

A five minute fighting major and two minutes for leaving the crease. That’s it. Technically, the goalies don’t even serve the penalties. It’s no wonder why goalies choose to get involve in brawls. The consequence is the equivalent to a slap on the wrist. And since they’re wearing a blocker and a glove, the goalies won’t even feel said slap.

This underlies the need for the NHL to take action against fighting. Either ban it completely or have stricter punishments. Unfortunately, the league, its owners and the NHLPA will once again ignore this issue and wait for this latest storm to die down.  Sadly, all sides are fixated on ratings and attendance. They are all of the opinion that aggressive, violent behavior will attract more eyeballs than high quality skill.

Somebody is going to instantly die on the ice. I have said this before, and believe me, I hate saying it. But every time I’m forced to watch a replay of the Thomas/Price exhibition, I can’t help but feel such a tragic event is going to occur. It’s only a matter of time.