Some quick thoughts from the NHL on TSN panel on Saturday.
Breaking down Bobby Ryan's two game suspension
You cannot use your skate blade as a weapon, you can't even use it to get a puck loose, which is what Bobby Ryan was doing.
The only reason this was not a more significant suspension in the area of Chris Pronger's eight games or Chris Simon's 30 games both for stomping on an opponent is because the puck was there and he was trying to free it up.
Van Riemsdyk is becoming a star in the National Hockey League
James Van Riemsdyk was the second over-all pick in the 2007 draft behind Patrick Kane. Kane went on to be an immediate impact player, and Van Riemsdyk is starting to become a physical presence.
The knock on him when he was drafted was that he might be a little soft and might not have what it takes to be a Flyer. He's a big body, six-foot-three and over 200 pounds and this kid is blossoming right before our eyes.
He is going to be a star in the NHL because he has the physical tools and the desire.
He's like a little kid off the ice and has such a calm demeanor that people don't realize how much drive he has but he's proving it every day.
Thomas has not been the problem or solution for the Bruins
The Bruins' struggles have not been Tim Thomas' fault, but he hasn't played particularly well either. Thomas' number one quality is that he's a battler and competitive, you win and lose with your best and I don't think they'll make a change in net.
One of the things they might do is put Tyler Seguin into the lineup. He's only a kid and this isn't expecting him to change the entire complexion of the series but he's got speed and skill. This is a racehorse series in terms of going up and down the ice and it might make sense to add some of those aspects to your lineup.
If it means taking out someone that hasn't produced, give the kid a shot and see if he can break something open.
Doughty is starting to return to last season's form
Whether you've seen Drew Doughty play in junior hockey, the Olympics or the NHL you have to understand that when he makes a mistake he comes out for the next shift looking to be the difference maker on the ice.
He got beat by Logan Couture in Game one and I would have put big money on him coming out on the ice and being one of the best players in Game two.
Keep in mind that he hasn't had a great year, last year he was off the charts, this year his play plummeted a little but he's getting it back now.