GAMES- Brawling Penguins and Flyers Detracts From Contest

Watching the brawling hockey series between the Flyers and Penguins excites a lot of fans.
Except for me.
We all laughed hysterically at the antics of the Hanson Brothers and Ogie Ogilthorpe in 1977’s “Slap Shot,” but that was a comedy classic, which poked fun at “old time hockey” and “Eddie Shore.” If you Google Shore you’ll find descriptors for the 1920s star such as, “Imposing blend of raw talent and intimidation”
But the real-life game of the 21st Century, especially the supposed drama of the seemingly endless playoffs (which follows the definitely endless regular season), suffers tremendously from the prevalence of legalized bullying and street violence.
It is not the fault of referees when the overall tone of the contest is obviously one of intimidation and enforcers along with cheap shot artists. Perhaps the television networks insist upon a degree of fighting to ensure better advertising fees.
But the beauty of the game is the grace of skating at high speeds in an enclosed rink while deftly handling a bouncing rubber disk as a competitor harasses the offensive player with equal quickness and attempts to poke the disk out of harm’s way.
I’m not arguing that it’s a physical game, but playing within the rules is taxing enough on the bodies of the athletes. Much like football, there are hits and then there are dirty plays.
If the National Hockey League truly wanted to restructure the way the game is competed, they could do so with simple, strict rules for behavior on the ice. They don’t bother because the fan reaction, much like in Paul Newman’s legendary film, reveals a true thirst for the punching and bleeding which results from the time honored manliness of “dropping the gloves.”
The advent of high definition television and other technological attempts by video companies to make the blazing speed of a flying black dot more visible have enhanced the viewing experience. TV has caught up with the speed and proximity of the game. It’s fascinating to watch the athletes navigate crowded quarters on a sheet of clean ice. It’s boring, dumb and counterproductive to watch goons and even talented players engage in activities reminiscent of the infamous ending fight scene from the comedy classic “Blazing Saddles.”
Mel Brooks didn’t have hockey in mind when he staged that hilarious conclusion to the 1974 Harvey Korman and Cleavon Little classic. Hockey takes many steps backward as a sport when it permits, even encourages, enforcers to conduct their havoc. The game is its own sweet science without boxing’s need for pummeling the opponent.
The athleticism of the goalie and the tenacity and determination of the skaters to chase down opponents and soaring pucks is beauty enough for any game of skill.
A couple of weeks ago I used this space to discuss the simplest way to reduce violence in the National Football League. The rules should require use of the arms to tackle. No more launching. Wrap the guy up and bring him to the ground. Everyone then gets back up and readies for the next play. No stretchers or ambulances. And perhaps more American youth will sign up to participate rather than forgoing the sport in fear of brain damage and paralyzed limbs.
But that would be too boring. Or perhaps not manly enough? I beg to differ.
Athletic competition is supposed to be about the sport and the considerable skill and grace necessary to compete at the highest levels. The speed and strength of today’s well-conditioned athletes makes the arena dangerous enough without allowing or silently endorsing fighting and cheap shots.
Everything suffers when the action stops to accommodate the “ritual” of fighting in hockey. All good games have a rhythm and pace. End-to-end play dictates that pace and makes the contest exciting, even breathtaking.
The high-scoring affairs between Philly and Pittsburgh over the last week were wildly entertaining. I’m not one of those defensive-minded followers, although sharp goaltending is also very enjoyable to watch. The multi-goal games are incredible to witness as the action is continual, but then the tradition of fighting must somehow takes its place in the contest.
And that’s when even yard work becomes an appealing alternative.
Reach Rossi at Joerossi61@comcast.net