Suspension coming for Simon

What does a guy have to do to get kicked out of the NHL?

With the Islanders pressing for a game-tying goal, Chris Simon slew foots Penguins megapest Jarkkko Ruutu and then stomps on his foot before slinking into the bench. You'll be hard-pressed to find a Ruutu fan that doesn't live in Pittsburgh or wear #15 for the Blackhawks, but even his punk arse doesn't deserve what could have been a very ugly injury. Here's the video.

This incident caps a history of suspensions for dirty play by Simon, who most recently had to sit out 25 games for his two handed chop to the face of the Rangers' Ryan Hollweg. This will surely land Simon an equally long ban, if he's not forced to sit out the rest of the season.

I don't remember Simon being such a knob when he played for the Rangers, but then again that was during a seven year span most Blueshirt fans try to forget. Ironically, Simon's one-year deal with the Isles includes a $325K games played bonus. I joked that it was insurance against him losing his mind again. I certainly didn't think the comment would be so prophetic.

Update: The NHL suspended Simon for 30 games, the longest ban in league history. The previous record was a 25-game suspension, shared by Simon (for for the Hollweg incident) and Jesse Boulerice (still serving). Simon is eligible to return to the Islanders' line-up on February 21st vs. the Lightning.

Paul Bunyon's back

I mean, the Isles resigned Chris Simon, the blue ox who felled the Rangers' Ryan Hollweg with one fine chop. I suppose his $325K games played bonus is insurance against Simon getting the boot again for doing something equally stupid.

I liked Simon as a Ranger, a hard-working, team-first player during a time when those were rare at MSG...at least in a home jersey. It's too bad history will only remember him losing his cool (repeatedly).

You hear that, Pronger? Stanley Cup, Norris Trophy, or smashing a guy's head in because you're "tall". Which will be your legacy?