We all have a tendency to deal in stereotypes because the media in both of our countries bombard us with generalities every single day. The “Ugly American” is one very common stereotype and, in some cases, it is a well-deserved moniker.

Having lived in or visited 48 of the 50 states, you learn quickly that there is no such thing as “The American” that represents everyone. Canada is a lovely country and my experiences there have been no different than the U.S. — a few bad ones but mostly good. People are people and it is fabulous to experience different cultures and different ways of life. That’s why I have settled back in New Mexico.

And, to come back on topic, that’s why someone like Dudley is so revolting. People are people and everyone should be treated with respect. Especially by public servants who wear the emblems and flag of our countries. Their is no place for bigotry and prejudice of any kind.

In any event, I am not going to defend the USA against ridiculous comments, nor do I think people are very different regardless of what side of the border they live on. As far as speeding … well, anyone who has ever driven the New York State Thruway or I-81 can testify about those countless cars with Ontario license plates doing 100 MPH and more.

However, it is always eluminating to see comments from Canadians … although I doubt that you are very representative of anything except a polar extreme.

Get a grip … the story was about one stupid cop with a bug up his butt. I would not tolerate an idiot like this on either side of the border. The last time I was in Canada, we crossed over at Sault Ste. Marie and it was a far more pleasant trip.

Tortorella should be fined and fired after the playoffs. I hope is he arrested and sued. This is not because I dislike Tortorella … it is because it sends the right message to kids about accepting responsibility for your behavior.

The only thing that is not allowed is being a fan of the Rangers, Islanders and Devils … that would be reminiscent of “The Three Faces of Eve” … good hockey is good hockey.

As a native New York, the Rangers were my team since 1968. WSBK from Boston was one of the first “superstations” during the birth of Cable TV in the 1970s, and I was able to get Bruins games (I also loved Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr). Watching the Oilers play was watching true mastery, and we will never see a player like Gretzky again.

Avery does a job long accepted in hockey, and he is far less intrusive than former agitatos like Esa Tikkanen and Ken Linseman. Brashear has a long history of “intent-to-injure” and blind-side hits.

Am I wrong? Let’s see … Soupy handed down a six game suspension to Brashear. Was that enough? Let everyone else debate that. Who is going to miss a no-talent like Brashear? If Blair Betts cannot play, then the Caps got the better end of that deal, so Brashear did his job.

However, at the same time, Soupy decided not to take action against the Capitals for their home security issues.

What will the crowd do the Rangers bench Tuesday night? We’ll see.

If you are looking for a fight, head elsewhere. And take reading lessons.

I don’t think Tortorella was punished enough, and he wasn’t punished correctly. Maybe he should be arrested AFTER the playoffs and he will probably be sued AFTER the playoffs. I still am not sure that is enough.

I have stated clearly that the punishment to Tortorella was inadequate. But I have also said Soupy did not act appropriately against the Capitals.

The suspension was a BS, whimpy move by Campbell but its impact on an emotionally-immature Ranger team was huge. Fining Tortorella and then firing him at the end of the season would not have punished the players for Tortorella’s actions. Read my comment above how a coach’s misbehavior can impact a team such as the 1994 Stanley Cup winners.

Let me clearly state that a suspension is inadequate. There should have been a serious fine to Tortorella, and then he should be fired at the end of the playoffs. The Rangers should also have been fined. But the Capitals should also have been fined for providing inadequate security and for not responding to requests from the Rangers bench.

The impact on the Rangers was an emotional one, and the Rangers are an emotional weak team. They were reeling from Tortorella’s decision to bench Avery, and then Tortorella goes and acts in a far more undisciplined manner than Avbery did on the ice in Game 4. The toll on the Rangers guaranteed a loss in Game 6 because all motivation was gone.

To fully understand how the emotional impact of a coach can suck the life out of a team, the news of Mike Keenan almost caused the Rangers to blow a 3-1 lead in the 1994 Cup Finals. And these were tougher guys (Messier, Graves, Tikkanen, Lowe, Beukeboom, etc,) with bigger cojones than the current crop of Rangers.

Again, as said above, if the Rangers blow this, it’s their own fault.

buuuut, he shouldn’t have been suspended for hitting a lady in the head with a water bottle, then putting a stick through the glass and waving it around like an idiot?

PLEASE.

oh, and how can you be a Rangers, Bruins and Edmonton fan? is that even allowed?

The point being missed is that the suspension or Tortorella added to the turmoil and de-moralization of the team. The players were obviously confused and pissed off by Tortorella’s benching of Avery for Avery’s undisciplined behavior, and then Tortorella goes and demonstrates the highest level of undisciplined behavior. The other issue … a one-sided act by Campbell.

Believe me … if the Rangers lose the series, it is their own fault.

As an educator, parent and community leader, a good sense of “right and wrong” is necessary. Tortorella is wrong no matter how you look at it. But that does not mean that Campbell handled it right.

There is a big difference between being a pest and agitator (Avery) and a moron like Brashears with a history of “intent to injure” actions. Cyko is trying to justify the existence of Brashears and his shot to Betts’ head yesterday.