Tales of the Tape: A Look at Steve Downie

When the Pens take on the Flyers, it's pretty much a given that someone is going to get in a fight with resident goon Steve Downie.  But just why should a Pens fan hate Downie?  Let's take a look.

We'll keep the focus on this season, as to my knowledge, it is the only one Downie has played in the NHL.  It got off to a good start, when on September 25, Downie blindsided Ottowa Senator Dean McAmmond, actually leaving his skates to knock the unsuspecting McAmmond cold.  The hit resulted in a 20 game suspension.

On January 5th of this year, Downie got into a potential scrap with Jason Blake of the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Even separated my the linesmen, Downie reached in and cracked Blake in the face, resulting in a double minor penalty for douche bag-like conduct.  Blake's eye quickly began swelling, needing attention.  If the description alone doesn't get you, check out Downie's smirk as he heads to the box.

So what does that mean for the Penguins?  Well, thus far he's had two fights against the Pens - going for a draw with Ryan Stone and yesterday's loss to Jarkko Ruutu (in which he skated away before the end of the fight).  That should get your scorn going - but if you need a better reason, then jump on the Laraque bandwagon.  He obviously didn't think to highly of Downie when he sent him headfirst into the boards.

By my count, the Pens have two more games against the Flyers.  Join with me in hoping the downfall of Steve Downie somewhere in those games.