C for Classless

I don’t think I have ever seen a more (insert adjective hear) act than what transpired last night during Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals. As the clock ticked down on the second period, Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson went to clear the puck down the ice. What happened next was unbelievable. Alfredsson faked shooting the puck down the ice and instead looked straight up at Anaheim captain Scott Niedermayer and blasted a shot right at him. The puck, which must have been going at least 90 MPH, slammed right into Niedermayers’ legs. Luckily, Niedermayer was not hurt. In fact he started jawing with Alfredsson right after the play and had to be restrained by another Ottawa player. Meanwhile, Alfredsson, who was being held back by Ducks forward Travis Moen, decided to punch Moen right in the face. The ref was standing right there, but somehow Alfredsson did not get a penalty. I didn’t know the NHL had hired Stevie Wonder to start doing some games. While Niedermayer was not hurt, Alfredsson’s reputation as a leader and captain may be called into question. It was not like he accidentally shot the puck at Niedermayer. That kind of stuff happens all the time in hockey…it is part of the game. No, Alfredsson looked up, surveyed the situation, and intentionally rifled a shot at Niedermayer, who is one of the most respected players in the league. Whether this was retaliation or what have you, it was one of the most classless acts I have seen in hockey. Alfredsson shot be absolutely ashamed of himself and if I were Ottawa coach Brian Murray I would question whether Alfredsson deserves that C on his sweater. I can only hope that Rob Niedermayer, the big Ducks forward and brother of Scott, will smash (legally) Alfie’s head right into the glass and teach him what pain is all about. I have lost all respect for Daniel Alfredsson…even though I did not have much to begin with.