Controversy in New York! What Else is New?

The New York Rangers have battled through the first four games of their series agains the Florida Panthers despite a controversial call that landed star winger Daniel Alfredsson with an 11 game suspension, their GM going on vacation at a crucial time of year, and then Rogers Cable shutting down his internet connection for no apparent reason.

"It's been a trying time but I'm proud of the focus and determination of our boys," said Captain J.P. Dumont.

The Rangers are fighting for an appeal on the Alfredsson call which replay clearly shows was an errant and unintentional high stick on Patrick Stefan. Stefan took the stick in the face and Alfredsson - a sure fire lady byng candidate with zero penatly minutes in 82 games - was hammered with an eleven game suspension. The star winger was stunned at the suspension.

"The stick clipped him and he spun around and tore his groin muscle. How I get suspended for that is beyond me. How can I get suspended for a high sticking minor when the guy tears his groin muscle?"

General Manager David Burns weighed in on the issue. "It clearly states on the Panthers own injury report that Stefan's injury IS, in fact, related to his groin and not from the contact of the high stic. Please note exibit A from the injury report ---> Patrik Stefan sidelined 2-4 weeks (torn groin muscle)"

"The incident incurred a minor penalty not a major," he continued.
D. ALFREDSSON RAN (HIGHSTICKING, Minor, Game Misconduct) 09:09

"Eleven games is out of line for player of this type. Alfredsson is very sportsmanlike and there was clearly no intent to injure. We think a suspension should be at most 1-2 games if there is to be one at all. Since he's already served that many we think he should be returned to active duty immediately. We have contacted Ryan Longer but he has yet to respond. Perhaps it's because he is afraid to face the Rangers in the conference final? We would like to have a hearing before the appeals committee. We would also like to make sure that the committee does not consist of just Pete as he's already stated that "Alfredsson is toast" on mirc and has clearly prejudged this case before hearing all the facts. Plus the word "committee" implies a group of people. We would like a reduction in this suspension as soon as possible!"