New York Islanders Handed Harsh Penalty After Melee vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The NHL handed out suspensions to both the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders late Saturday night, following Friday night's melee at the Nassau Coliseum which saw both teams compile over 300 penalty minutes in several fighting majors.

Many in the hockey world put most of the blame on the Islanders, including the Penguins announcers calling the Islanders an "embarrassment." It appears the NHL felt the same way.

The only suspension given to the Penguins was to Eric Godard for leaving the bench to come to the defense of goalie Brent Johnson. He was given the mandatory 10 games for his actions.

The Islanders, however, were given the brunt of the blame. Enforcer Trevor Gillies was given nine games for his actions Friday night, and Matt Martin was given four for his troubles. The Islanders organization was also fined $100,000.

Colin Campbell said suspensions were given to both Gillies and Martin because their actions were intended to injure the Penguin players. He also said the Islanders "must bear some responsibility for their failure to control their players."

Part of me agrees, and part of me doesn't. These are the same Penguins who employ Matt Cooke, arguably the most dangerous player in the league today, and allow him to injure player after player without any punishment.

Many fans have come to the defense of their team, saying that this could be a potential turning point in the franchise's identity.

"This team is kind of sick of being pushed around all the time," said Martin. "I think we made a statement out there tonight, that we're not a laughing stock. We can take care of ourselves."

The two teams meet again at the Coliseum April 8.