Shame on you Bobby Clarke

Philadelphia Flyers Senior VP Bobby Clarke justified and pretty much endorsed Steve Downie's vicious leap at Dean McAmmond in the preseason and his cheap shot punch (left) on Jason Blake. "When he went after Blake, I loved it."

On one hand, we have just about everybody in the NHL saying cheap shots like those should be strictly punished, and on the other, we have Bobby Clarke, who was a straight-up goon in his days with the Broadstreet Bullies of Philly saying that both players are at fault for their injuries. You're ridiculous Bobby.

I'm not defending Jason Blake by any stretch, in fact, I think he's a yappy punk who's overrated and overpaid. On top of that, he's a Maple Leaf. But to sucker someone in the face while he's tied up by a linesman is just gutless. Almost as gutless as jumping 4 feet in the air to try to end someone's career. I think it's safe to assume that this is just the beginning of some troubled years ahead for Downie, and bloggers like this drive me nuts and should have their heads checked. Sure he's a talented hockey player. He wouldn't be in the NHL if he wasn't, but he already has some baggage and will likely get his face filled in soon...then he's of little use.

Leafs not surprised by Clarke's comments (Globe & Mail)
League investigating sucker-punch on Blake (National Post)