The Burrows Bite

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Jun 012011
 

There’s been a lot of reaction to Alex Burrows’ alleged “bite” of Patrice Bergeron’s finger. Looking at the above gif, it looks like Burrows does bite Bergeron. That said, it also looks like Bergeron stuck his glove in Burrows’ mouth prior to that.

There’s precedent in that Jarrko Ruutu received a 2-game suspension for a similar offense a couple of years ago. But then again, precedent has meant squat to this league for a while now.

Consider Ben Eager wasn’t suspended for a dangerous charge from behind on Daniel Sedin in the Canucks’ round 3 series against San Jose. Also consider that Nathan Horton got a free pass for throwing a water bottle at a fan.

Knowing that much more serious actions went unpunished in these playoffs, does Burrows’ bite warrant a suspension? You be the judge.

(gif credit: Canucks and Beyond)

Update: The NHL has just announced that there will be no supplemental discipline for Alex Burrows:

“After reviewing the incident, including speaking with the on-ice officials, I can find no conclusive evidence that Alex Burrows intentionally bit the finger of Patrice Bergeron,” Murphy’s statement read.

  • ScottM

    Looks like a pretty feeble attempt at a bite to me. Unless there’s a better angle on that we’re not seeing that actually shows the bite I don’t really see it being anything remotely warranting a suspension.

  • ScottM

    Looks like a pretty feeble attempt at a bite to me. Unless there’s a better angle on that we’re not seeing that actually shows the bite I don’t really see it being anything remotely warranting a suspension.

  • Hellohellohell0

    what the fuck? no, of course not. I guess he should’ve just let Bergeron shove his hand into his mouth with no retaliation. Sounds legit. 

  • Stakingaps

    Inconclusive!!

  • Kwaitkowski

    Ya…biting is legal now. Its in the rule book. Biting is as clean as a shoulder to shoulder check. You dummies!

    Its clearly a bite. So obviously suspendable. Who cares about previous series.

    Not a good message by refs or league as to what is acceptable. Chara should bite the heads of all the puss canucks