NHL: Decision on Calvert is stupid

ST. LOUIS -- Michael Russo and I are at Scottrade Center prepping for Game 3. So I checked out NHL.com.

The NHL's website lists Matt Calvert's suspension as its popular story.

Calvert, the Columbus forward, was suspended for one game for cross-checking Pittsburgh's Tom Kuhnhackl.

The NHL.com "tag" on the story reads: "Player safety."

This is the time of the year we are reminded of the disparity between the greatness of playoff hockey and the stupidity of hockey bosses.

Calvert cowardly attacked Kuhnhackl. He should be suspended for the rest of the postseason. There should be no room for blindside attacks with a stick.

But the NHL decision-makers are so weak, so afraid to harm a team's playoff chances, that it is willing to give the lightest imaginable penalty for a despicable act.

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No feel for how today's game will go. I did sense great calm and confidence from Mike Yeo yesterday, and the Wild seemed to me to be much more tense than it was before Games 1 and 2.

Bruce Boudreau was slamming potato chips into his face as we entered the lockerroom. He seemed a little uptight to me.

The Blues are keeping their lineup intact for Game 3. We'll learn more about the Wild's lineup during warmups.

Check out my hockey podcast with MIchael Russo at MNSPN.com, as well as shows with Roy Smalley, Jon Krawcyznski and Tim Yotter.