VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Vancouver Canucks don’t understand the big fuss about a little bite.
Neither did the NHL.
Vancouver forward Alex Burrows avoided a suspension in the Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday when league officials decided they couldn’t prove he deliberately bit the finger of Boston’s Patrice Bergeron during the Canucks’ series-opening 1-0 victory.
Although the Bruins weren’t terribly happy about NHL disciplinarian Mike Murphy’s decision, both teams realize they have bigger issues than the after-the-whistle shenanigans that happen constantly in the NHL, particularly under playoff intensity.
After all, players have been biting, gouging, face-washing, elbowing, grabbing, spearing — and don’t forget punching — since probably the first period of the first game after Canada invented hockey.
“That’s how French guys say hello to one another,” Canucks fourth-line center Alexandre Bolduc said jokingly. “You want to show respect, you put your fingers in someone’s mouth.”
Daniel and Henrik Sedin were relieved that such a silly incident didn’t sideline their linemate in what’s shaping up as a gritty, goalie-dominated series heading into Game 2 on Saturday.
“We need him out there,” said NHL scoring champion Daniel Sedin, who took eight shots without a goal in Game 1. “He plays in every situation. Big part of this team. Obviously, we’re happy to have him inside the rink.”
The Bruins refused to get indignant about the NHL’s decision, with Boston coach Claude Julien cautioning his players against whining about a single play in a chippy game.
“I’m over it,” Bergeron said. “I’m looking forward to the next game. We’ve got to get back in the series. Like I said last night, it’s the league’s decision, and I’ve got to let them make it. . . . I don’t want to whine about that stuff. I don’t care.”
