Last night, St. Louis crossed the same line Michigan State did four years ago. On one side there is healthy competition. Two teams face off, one walks away the victor, and the other walks away knowing there could be a role reversal in their next matchup. On the other side there is unfettered hatred and loathing. Two teams compete, and one is hellbent on exerting their dominance via thuggery and foolish physicality.
The Blues repeatedly tried to goad the Wings into fighting. They beat the hell out of Brad Stuart. They put Darren Helm in a headlock in front of the net. They punched Jimmy Howard in the face with mere seconds left and the game out of reach. The list goes on.
St. Louis wanted to make a statement last night, and make a statement they did. They were more concerned with physicality than intelligent play. Taking a bad penalty was fine as long as there was a Red Wing in pain on the other end.
If this is what Detroit/St. Louis games are going to turn into then that's fine. I'll take talented, intelligent guys over grinding, undisciplined guys any day. Let the rivalry recommence, little brother. See you on April 4th.
Read the rest at The Octopi Garden.
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