Man, what a bunch of great games we had yesterday, huh? Personally, I can't afford to stay up until 12:30 in the morning to watch the late game, which was Calgary vs. San Jose. I was disappointed to find out that the Sharks choked away a 3-0 lead to fall, 4-3 to the Flames.

But, the main reason for this blog is the extremely exciting series between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers. This is probably the most evenly-matched series in the first round this year.

Anyways, my real issue with the game was this: A Devils player, whose name I am unsure of, started a mini-brawl with on of the Rangers players, and what followed was both teams trying to break it up alongside the refs.

After the two were finally separated, they remained staring each other down while being held back by the referees.

I was watching the game on Versus, and like most other hockey networks, they have cameras positioned around the ice behind the glass, and of course, all working television cameras have microphones. It makes the home audience feel more "there", and boy, does it work! I feel like I could be sitting right next to the action.

Anywhoooooo, after they had all been split up, the Devils player continued yelling at the Rangers player, and what came out of his mouth shocked me speechless. I must warn you, this is quite profane, but I have to repeat it to really drive home the message I'm trying to send here. This is what was said by the Devils player:

"Don't be a pussy! You're a pussy! You're a bitch! You're a fucking bitch!"

My mouth was wide open, and what's worse, little Rangers and Devils tykes could be watching at home with their fathers, and this was on national television!

Think about it: If you were sitting in the front rows, right next to the brawl with your son, pleasantly enjoying the game, and your son heard that, what would you say to him if he turns to you and asks "Daddy, what's fucking bitch?"

These players may not realize it, but they are all role models for young teens, and kids who hope to aspire to the NHL someday. This coming from anyone who is supposed to be playing for the sheer enjoyment and good sportsmanship of this great game is wrong in my opinion.

Could you imagine an international role model like Alex Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby saying this on the ice, in front of millions of people? Probably not.

Just think before you act and say stupid shit. That's all I'm asking! Is that really too much to ask from someone who's supposed to be a professional? A role model? No, it's not.

That's all I got for this, let me hear your take.

-Mike Greenspire