A rare ‘thank you’ to Raffi Torres

Not many people around the hockey world are sending thank
you notes to suspended Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi
Torres.

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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