I thought I’d take the time to remind everyone who will be watching the Boston Bruins taking on the Montreal Canadiens of what we should be expecting to see this year. In fact, I thought I’d spell it out as clear as day so opposing fans who read this (just before they hurl the insults back at me) remember what the refs will be calling players on this year. I still say they install a springboard on the home bench in Montreal this year. If they insist on diving, they might as well make it a show for the fans.
Feb 11, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing
Mike Brown(18) goes after Montreal Canadiens defenseman PK Subban (76) as the referee gets between them at the Air Canada Centre. The Canadiens beat the Maple Leafs 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
OK Habs fans, please read along with me. (En ce qui concerne les personnes qui sont fans enrages de Montreal, veuillez lire avec moi.)
Rule 64 – Diving / Embellishment(what we in Boston call the ‘Subban’ rule. Seriously PK Subban. Are you a hockey player or are you trying out for Das Boot on Ice?)
64.1 Diving / Embellishment – Any player who blatantly dives, embellishes a fall or a reaction, or who feigns an injury shall be penalized with a minor penalty under this rule.
A goalkeeper who deliberately initiates contact with an attacking player other than to establish position in the crease, or who otherwise acts to create the appearance of other than incidental contact with an attacking player, is subject to the assessment of a minor penalty for diving / embellishment.
64.2 Minor Penalty – A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who attempts to draw a penalty by his actions (“diving / embellishment”).
64.3 Fines and Suspensions – Regardless if a minor penalty for diving / embellishment is called, Hockey Operations will review game videos and assess fines to players or goalkeepers who dive or embellish a fall or a reaction, or who feign injury. The call on the ice by the Referee is totally independent of supplementary discipline.
The first such incident during the season will result in a warning letter being sent to the player or goalkeeper. The second such incident will result in a one thousand dollar ($1,000) fine. For a third such incident in the season, the player shall be suspended for one game, pending a telephone conversation with the Director of Hockey Operations. For subsequent violations in the same season, the player’s suspension shall double (i.e. first suspension – one game, second suspension – two games, third suspension – four games, etc.) See also Rule 28 – Supplementary Discipline.
So, let’s make sure the Canadiens bring their ‘real game’ this year. If they don’t they had better bring their checkbooks and a lot of aspirin.