A rare 'thank you' to Raffi Torres
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Print | Originally published: May 9, 2012 - 1:54 pm
Torres made continental headlines last month after leveling Chicago's Marian Hossa in Game 3 of the first round playoff series between the Coyotes and Blackhawks. The hit did not draw a penalty, but did result in a 25-game suspension for Torres, which has kept him out since.
It was an ugly incident regardless of whether you're a Coyotes fan or not -- one that had many calling for a lifetime ban for Torres, who has a history of such offenses.
But one Canadian writer, Eric Francis of the Toronto Sun, actually does send Torres a thank you, and his rationale is pretty interesting.
Ever since Torres launched himself into Marian Hossa's cranium three weeks ago, the NHL playoffs have returned to being about the game.The intensity is still at a brilliant high, as is the skill, entertainment value and the storylines. Gone — for the most part — are those nasty head-shots no one likes.
Torres has appealed the severity of the suspension, but hasn't received a response from the NHL.
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