Brad May , Brian Burke and Neil vs Thornton | West Coast Rink Rants

Let's give Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke a small regard of credit in his recent acquisition of forward Brad May.

Burke really loves this guy as May has served tenure in Burke constructed teams in Vancouver and Anaheim ( 07' Cup team) in past years.

Sure May is probably not going net more then 5 goals this year, but he brings an element of toughness to that Leafs locker room that is truly needed.

Even if May is not an everyday player, he is a respected veteran and a great mentor for the youth movement going on in Toronto.

I still think Burke needs to bargain over a legit enforcer as almost every team in the league seems to have a heavyweight tough guy riding for them these days.

Brian Burke meet Mitch Frtiz.

We've talked about Ottawa tough guy Chris Neil before on the Rink Rant and he is really becoming my favorite fighter. Of all the Sens on that roster this year Neil is really the only one bringing positive energy on a nightly basis. His battle last night with Boston Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton was a dandy scrap and both warriors should be commended.

Speaking of Thornton, all you Milan Lucic detractors out there must understand that all the fighting you insist Lucic be a part of is Thornton's work detail.

Thornton is a legit enforcer and if anyone on the B's roster has business with Georges Laraque or any other elite tough guy it is Thornton.

Lucic belongs on the five on five not in the sin bin.

Also, congrats to the Florida Gators on another National Championship.

Is Urban Meyer becoming an institution or what?

First he builds the Utes and now he has the Gators playing that perennial powerhouse role.

Always love to see a classy coach succeed, even if it is out of the SEC.

-MB- Note: I added each players fight record for this season. A minor upgrade.

May (3-1-1) vs Bouillon ( 2-1-1)

Thornton (4-4-3) vs Neil (6-4-2)

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January 9, 2009 03:32 PM ET

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Good to see May back in action.

FoosBall

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January 9, 2009 04:53 PM ET

The May video isn't working properly for some reason. A message is popping up saying 'embedding disabled by request'.

Yeah, Neil is definitely Ottawa's most consistent performer. He's a tough guy but he also has skills. He's one of Ottawa's few unpriced assets right now so I'm praying he won't be part of the inevitable shake-up that will happen with the Sens.

That was some good camera work on that Neil-Thornton video. They kept the guys centered in the frame as they moved around the ice. Loved seeing the rest of the Bruins standing around in a circle casually watching the scrap.

YODA

Total Comments (16867)

January 9, 2009 07:12 PM ET

I'm not having any problem with either of the videos - but I have had it before with a video I posted myself. No idea why.

You were right about the Neil-Thornton fight; definitely blog-worthy.