Tune into the game, Not the Gong Show

Here is a quick news flash to Toronto media... the entirety of the country could really care less if the 2 Minute Man, Cam Janssen get into a fight. Seeing that Janssen gets into a fight every other night on the schedule, I can save you the speculation and false buildup. Yes, he will fight; and nobody outside of your own little universe gives two shits.

Cam Janssen is a goon, he gets paid to be a goon and for the most part he does his job exactly how the Devils expect him to do it. If this means taking the odd run at a star player he will do it, because his job relies on it. This is not being cynical, this is being realistic.

Unnamed media panelists suggest he (and others just like him) have no place in the game, however by them giving players like this the attention they look for, their place in the game is solidified. They are aggressors and pests, they have abrasive means of making their presence known and many times they are fan favorites. Essentially their main role is to PROTECT their teammates. They are expendable in the eyes of the coaches and front office, hence they need to do their job to whatever extent necessary; even though that often means crossing the proverbial line.

Now people can whine and complain about this, or they can take the Brian Burke or Lou Lamoriello approach and act accordingly. Come playoff time, the only people that will be bitching will be those that have not taken the required steps to protect their star players. I believe the NHL needs to address this situation in the off-season, but this is not the off-season. While I do not condone any cheap shots handed out by these players, as the law is being handled right now they are still more of a commodity than a detriment to their team.