Suspensions Announced: Gillies Nine, Martin Four, Godard Ten

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/12/2011 11:58:00 PM | | | |


NHL.com: Reports Penguins enforcer Eric Godard has been suspended 10 games, while the Isles' Trevor Gillies has been suspended for nine games and the Isles' Matt Martin for four games. There is also a $100,000 fine for the Islanders.

NYIFC Comments:
About what I expected, apparently the NHL wanted to send a financial message to the Islanders, which will likely be reduced quietly upon appeal later. Gillies did not help his cause standing off ice, jawing at the player he hit. Martin did not merit four games for not hitting someone with a punch after what Jordan Staal got a complete pass for on 2/1.

Apparently, Dan Bylsma escaped the supposed mandatory penalty for his player leaving the bench, begging the question who will be next now that this dangerous precedent has been allowed to go by without the coach being held accountable?

Colin Campbell's comments/explanation:

"The actions by the Islanders' Gillies and Martin were deliberate attempts to injure by delivering blows to the head of players who were unsuspecting and unable to defend themselves," Campbell said in a statement issued by the NHL. "The message should be clear to all players: targeting the head of an opponent by whatever means will be dealt with by suspension.

"With respect to the Godard suspension, there can be no circumstance that allows for a player to leave his bench for the purpose of coming to the aid of a teammate."

The Islanders were also fined $100,000.

"The Islanders also must bear some responsibility for their failure to control their players," Campbell added.

NYIFC Comments:
Like when Mike Mottau hit Frans Nielsen in his head/neck, or the countless other head-shots we see Campbell simply ignore where a players head is targeted?

Was Pittsburgh controlling their players properly with Johnson at center ice again while Koskinen was in his net?

Dan Bylsma's player left his team's bench, he did not control his player, he should be accountable along with the Pens organization. I like Godard same as when he played here and was thrilled for Bylsma when he got Pens job and won cup.

I know it's not an easy job, but Colin Campbell has made one thing clear to virtually everyone over the years, what he says vs what he does are two different things.

Rules are supposed to be same rules for everyone.
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Unless there were other Islanders injured Saturday, Ty Wishart, Rob Schremp and will be available to the team Sunday.

Islanders website: listed everyone who participated in morning skate on Saturday.

The twitter box will return Sunday.

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