Stars-Red Wings: Mike Ribeiro's Slash Intensifies Series

Mike Ribeiro steps up to the plate. It's the 9th inning and his team is down. There are two outs and the bases are loaded.

Ribeiro sees the first pitch.  Chin music.

The mighty Frenchman makes contact on the next pitch.

It could be!

It might be!

It is...Chris Osgood?

At the conclusion of game two of the NHL's Western Conference Finals, Dallas Stars' forward Mike Rebeiro slashed Detroit Red Wings' goaltender Chris Osgood in the chest. The baseball scenario occurred immediately after Osgood caught Ribeiro in the face with the butt-end of his stick.

Suspensions will surely ensue and the incident will stimulate an already amusing series, but which party was wrong: Osgood or Ribeiro?

The incident topped off a Red Wings victory full of hard hits, physical goaltenders and missed opportunities. After a scrum involving Steve Ott and Kris Draper at center ice, the puck was dropped and dumped in as time expired.

The Red Wings, delighted to take a 2-0 series lead, began to celebrate as the puck wrapped around the end boards. Ribeiro quickly skated and made his way behind the Detroit net although the game had ended. Osgood, unprovoked, extended his stick and struck Ribeiro in the chin.

Ribeiro responded with a prompt two handed slash across Osgood's chest. Osgood emphasized the vicious attack by feigning injury. A scrum ensued.

Both players' actions were both wrong and gruesome, but why was Ribeiro headed toward Detroit players even though time had expired?

Osgood saved his teammates from potential harm by fending off Ribeiro. The goaltender did what any hockey player would do: protect his teammates.

Ribeiro's intent was unknown, but once the buzzer sounded, he should have gone to the locker room, not the celebrating opposition. This veteran Star should know that going into the opposing team's post game territory will get a player a face full of something, whether it be glove or stick.

Osgood's subtle butt-end was dangerous, but Ribeiro was wrong in entering the zone. Hopefully the league will review the scenario and act appropriately.

Suspensions or not, this will make the remaining games exciting and perhaps spawn a new rivalry. 

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