Five for Fighting

The Ott situation

Just reading Mr. Mike Heika's update on the Steve Ott situation. I wasn't there yesterday, although I watched what happened on TV and have seen the replays a few times. My questions:
    How costly could this be for Ott? He's been playing so well for the Stars, and this team has no more bodies to give.
    Any punishment upcoming for any Duckies? Should there be?
    And the biggest question: Why didn't any teammates help Ott? Just start grabbing someone off Ott if nothing else. The guy was bombarded.

Ah, it's a mess, indeed, and the Stars will have to go right back at it tomorrow against a rested Penguins team that's coming off an overtime victory in Chicago on Friday night (yes, that same Blackhawks team that's made trouncing the Stars a habit this season).

So what are your thoughts, kids?

-- Tracey Myers

Steve Ott suspended

I just got off the phone with Stars co-GM Les Jackson and he said Steve Ott has been suspended pending a review Monday for his match penalty at the end of Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Ducks. That means Ott will not be in the lineup against Pittsburgh Sunday. We were told that Ott's match penalty was for gouging Travis Moen in the eye, but a suspension typically requires intent, and Ott said he felt the incident was accidental. Ott has a cast on his right hand, and if the gouging was done with his right hand, then the league could use Rule 47:15. ``Any player of goalkeeper wearing tape or any other material on his hands (below the wrist) who cuts or injures an opponent during an altercation will receive a match penalty in addition to any other penalties imposed, including fighting.''

_Mike Heika

Ott gets Match Penalty

Steve Ott received a match penalty for that final fight.

A match penalty is usually given for intent to injure and is automatically reviewed, so there is a very good chance that Ott is suspended for Sunday's game.

Ott gouged Travis Moen in the eye during the fight, but Ott said it was an accident.

We'll see how the league rules.

_Mike Heika

Moen's nastiness

OK, I'm not the biggest hockey afficionado. But when it comes to fights, don't players have a little chat before fisticuffs, say "You wanna go" or something? Not Travis Moen. At the end of the game Moen just starts pounding on Steve Ott, who was first hit by goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Ott, who technically cannot fight because his broken right hand is still healing, ended up having to throw a few punched at the end anyway.

Yes, strange as it may sound, there is a little bit of etiquette in this hockey fighting thing.

-- Tracey Myers

Stars lose, 4-3

They lose a 3-2 lead and the game in the third.

They now lose four in a row at home.

Is it time to push the panic button?

_Mike Heika

Stars down 4-3

Corey Perry with a spin-o-rama backhand past a Turco poke check to tie it.

Then, James Neal with a turnover that David Ebbetts turns into a Teemu Selanne goal.

Two goals in a span of 1:29.

Ducks now lead 4-3

_Mike Heika

Hat trick for Ribeiro?

Yeah, it's another power play, so I'm calling the shot.

Hey, when the guy is at his best, he is amazing. It could happen.

-- Tracey Myers

Stars take 3-2 lead

Mike Ribeiro and Steve Ott work give two-on-one perfectly.

Ribeiro scores into an open net after a nice return pass from Ott.

Ribeiro with two goals and a pretty assist so far.

3-2 Stars

_Mike Heika

Poor Mark Parrish

Are the Anaheim Ducks still bitter at Mark Parrish for his hat trick against them back in November? The guy's been beaten up today.

Not that I'm telling the Ducks where to refocus their angst, but they might want to see who's been hurting them today.

-- Tracey Myers

Third period is huge

Dave Tippett would tell you every period is huge, but the Stars need points here.

It's almost as if it doesn't matter if the Ducks get one, the Stars need two.

Dave Tippett is juggling lines all over the place. We'll see if it works.

_Mike Heika