There are all sorts of things one can do during a hockey game that are seen as dastardly, dishonourable, and douchey. I like to call players that have these traits "dirts." Players understand this, and most fans do as well. The real interesting thing is that we cannot really decide which acts are to be the most detested.
I will give you an example. I personally despise any sort of embellishment in hockey. To take a dive or feign an injury is (outside of attempting to injure another player) pretty much the weakest thing a player can do. Not only does it fall in to the three 'Ds' from the previous paragraph, it also disrespects the players that are not dropping like they have been shot. I know it is a different sport but I think of players like Steve Nash every time I see someone flop. In what turned out to be his last playoff series of the year, he took elbows in both eyes, (and lit it up with one of them closed shut) and broke his nose during play, but kept on keeping on. Any player that dives or embellishes, looking for a call is basically saying, "Go to hell, Steve Nash. I have found an easier way out."
If you look at it from the athlete-as-artist point of view, a basic parallel is auto-tune in pop music. I know it is pretty much here to stay and there are in fact instances when it is used in a creative and interesting way; however, there are those who still defy it, and let their own goods do the talking. Then there are those that use so much of this supposed "crutch" that it is basically their personal walking machine and they end up sounding like the blue chick from The Fifth Element. Maybe Daniel Carcillo is the Ke$ha of the NHL.
Speaking of which, diving was much more of a story earlier on in the playoffs. Remember when it felt like that guy would do it nearly every game? I do think it has generally increased somewhat over the last couple years in the league, though. I suppose it has always been around, but while about 5% of the players would be known for these things in the old days, that number has gone up by 10 or 15 in the last 5 seasons. I believe that this is part of the reason that some of my friends in our game discussions do not see this act as abhorrent as I do. If there are more of them in the league doing it, there is a better chance that there is one on your team doing it, so it may seem more forgivable in ones rose-coloured eyes.
It should be pointed out that it is still detested among the league's smarter minds. Gold Medal and Cup winning coach Mike Babcock made a remark after a questionable call on a Shark that had visibly simulated to draw a penalty. He explained that it was an especially magnified dirt move because the player in question was from Western Canada. To examine the geographical distinction further would only end up in stereotyping and finger pointing. It is probably best to move on from the dive and its place in today's game and look at what else makes a dirt a dirt in our game: chirping.
When the finals started I was neutral as far as the teams were involved. They were both teams full of the dirtiest bunch of dirts that ever dirted a dirt. Then, in game two, Ben Eager barked something at Chris Pronger, and the former Hart winner raised his hand and did the "yap yap yap" sign. I immediately felt compelled to cheer for the Flyers.
I mean, why can't you just shut up and play, for God's sake? There are those that see trash talking as part of the game, and there is a razor's edge of limitations that some masterfully seem to walk during a game. There are all sorts of youtube clips of players bringing up wives and that sort of thing. There are even some players known for doing specific background checks on members of the opposition. The Hawks received a warning from the league last playoffs for their mouthiness, so there must be a line somewhere, right? Again, much like diving, this can give you that edge that your pure talent cannot. It's an underhanded way to try and reach your goal, and it takes a certain kind of player to do it. You know what I like to call them.
Now, I do see the irony in writing about the assholes of the league and championing a move by none other than Chris Pronger. This guy wrote the book on skulduggery. He has never dove or brought up a player's kid mid-game, he just finds a way to do the little dirt moves. There have been instances in the past where he has crossed the line, but he continues to back things up with amazing shutdown and momentum-dictating play. Somehow he is a dirt that has gained respect in my eyes. I suppose the personal trophies, cup, and four (!) Olympics help out his cause.
Once again the athlete-as-artist label works for this examination, and perhaps an explanation of my Pronger love. Any artist is known to have honed their craft and developed their style through a study of the masters. This guy has clearly paid his dues, and his influences are evident. Dennis Potvin, Scott Stevens, even Bobby Orr can be seen in his work. For those of you that have had the opportunity to see Exit Through the Gift Shop or have followed the ever-expanding street art world, I see Chris Pronger as a Banksy or Shepard Fairey, whereas the Blackhawk dirts are a bunch of Mr. Brainwashes. They are using and participating in an art that perhaps they do not quite fully understand the way some of their contemporaries do.
Again, that's just me. I am not saying that the game is progressively going down the toilet or anything, just that there are always new approaches to winning. An action can be seen as within reason to some, and the same act can infuriate others. I am sure there are tons that might think Pronger's post-game puck stealing is more dishonourable than anything I have even mentioned. The truth is, there is an art to embellishment, to chirping, to the general getting under of an opponent's skin. We hate them and we love them.
But whatever our conclusion, deep down we know: they are all dirts.
Gotta shout out to Wade for remaining a loyal reader and sending us this link. It seems there are indeed artists out there that see sports as important.
