The great part of living in this country is that we are all free to "call 'em as we see 'em." So it is with this post, in which I'm going to amicably disagree with Erik's take on the Tootoo/Miller hit. Although I didn't get to watch the game, I've watched the hit five times now, thanks to the link from James Mirtle's article in the Globe and Mail. I respectfully disagree that Tootoo was directed into, pushed into, guided into, or had nowhere else to go but into Ryan Miller. Best case, it was a poor decision by him to cut that hard to the net with a defenseman on him. He knew where he was on the ice, he knew the angle he had to take to get in front of the net, and he knew there was no way he was getting there given Ehrhoff's position on him. Worst case, it was an intentional cheap shot on a goalie in the crease. I'll agree it wasn't as bad as the Lucic hit, but given Tootoo's history, you'll never convince me that he didn't take full advantage of a marginal push to fling himself headlong into Miller. Just my two cents. By the way, I liked Goose threatening the opposing goalie on his way off the ice.
UPDATE: In retrospect I wanted to add that, while I disagree with Erik's take on the intent of the hit, I fully agree with the premise of his post. Just wanted to throw that out there.
I am glad to see Shannahan actually issued a suspension on this one. Having said that, the sabres are still a bunch of pussies. First game back, Miller gets hit again and Miller is the one on top of Tootoo beating his ass. Bring up the entire Amerk squad. They have way more heart.
Posted by: Jaden | December 07, 2011 at 01:37 PM