Mario Lemieux Flips the Bird at the NHL

After Friday night's shenanigans against the Islanders, and the subsequent suspensions that followed, the usually quiet owner/former player/all around BAMF that is Mario Lemieux decided that enough was enough. By releasing the suspension terms late last night, one could tell that the NHL wanted to sweep Friday night's game under the rug. #66 would have none of that and released this statement in response this afternoon.

“Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be. But what happened Friday night on Long Island wasn’t hockey. It was a travesty. It was painful to watch the game I love turn into a sideshow like that.

“The NHL had a chance to send a clear and strong message that those kinds of actions are unacceptable and embarrassing to the sport. It failed.

“We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players.  We must make it clear that those kinds of actions will not be tolerated and will be met with meaningful disciplinary action.

“If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to re-think whether I want to be a part of it.”

 Although the suspensions and fines given in the aftermath of the Islanders-Penguins game were good enough for me, I'm glad that Mario spoke generally about the inconsistencies in the NHL's discipline system. Let's just hope the NHL listens.