Ritter's Rant: A Look into the NHL: Jonathan Roy's Actions Were Cowardly

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

Say what you will about the early play of Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo, fact is, at least he was a man about it and took responsibility for his poor play.

So, after admitting he was not playing well through the first two games, what does Luongo do in his first game back? He shuts the door on the Montreal Canadiens and his teammates play exceptionally well in front of him, Canucks win 7-1. That ought to shut up the critics!

What happened to Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Francois Beauchemin? It’s one thing to look slow every once in a while, but Beauchemin has been terrible in his own end and that first pass he is known for has been absent. If the Leafs have any chance of winning this season, Beauchemin will have to be a major contributor. Right now, he is brutal.

Speaking of brutal, who kidnapped Luke Schenn and what have you done with the body? Coming off a great rookie season, Schenn looks anything but spectacular out there. Where did the hitting go? What happened to his stellar defensive play? Where is the energy, the passion?

Is there any player out there that comes close to bringing the passion for the game that  Alexander Ovechkin does?

In another example of athlete’s getting away with murder, or in this case assault, Jonathan Roy, son of goaltending legend Patrick Roy, was granted an absolute discharge for his assault on Chicoutimi Sagueneens goaltender Bobby Nadeau.

For those that remember the incident, Roy’s “beating” on Nadeau was a disgusting, cowardly act, one that should have seen Jonathan Roy get a heck of a lot more than the slap on the wrist that he received.

The sentence allows Jonathan to travel throughout the United States so he can continue to pursue a career as a singer. Let me guess? Death Metal? The kid, much like his father, is a jerk!

Here’s a couple of goaltending stats that may surprise you. Leading the NHL with three wins thus far? Ray Emery of the Philadelphia Flyers. Leading the NHL with the highest Save Percentage (1.000) and the best Goals Against Average (0.00)? Antti Niemi of the Chicago Blackhawks.

To nobody’s surprize, Alexander Ovechkin is leading the NHL in Goals and Points. It says here he will lead those categories wire to wire.

Phoenix Coyotes, 2-0 to start the season. Who’da thunk it? Sure, it’s only two games into the season for the Coyotes, but, after all the off-ice attention, it is great to see the Coyote’s playing well on the ice.

Can’t help but think the addition of Dave Tippett and the subtraction of Wayne Gretzky behind the bench has a lot to do with the Coyote’s fast start.

The addition of Marc-Andre Bergeron is nothing more than a depth move for the Montreal Canadiens. As of this morning, Bergeron is yet to be added to the Canadiens roster and is headed to Montreal’s AHL affiliate Hamilton Bulldogs for a conditioning stint.

The Leafs are 0-3 to start the season and it’s not about to get an easier. Toronto plays the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night, followed by games against the New York Rangers, the surprisingly good Colorado Avalanche and then a re-match with the Rangers. I told you October would be tough! (See article).

Until next time,

Peace