Katie Maximick

With quite a few controversies this week, the NHL is quickly turning into its own version of a bad soap opera. I mean, sure we’re used to them every once in a while, but these controversies are coming at us so fast that we can’t decide which one to furiously argue over while hiding behind computer screens and anonymous login names.

So where do we start with all the drama? Let’s do this in chronological order.

1) Controversy #1: Luongo vs. Schneider. This one is clearly ongoing and neverending. Despite stopping 28 of 29 shots against Calgary last night, Luongo allowed one goal with 30 seconds to go in the game, which had some fans saying, “Schneider would’ve got the shut out!” It’s like Luongo haters were just sitting there, waiting for the guy to screw up so they could carry their Crusade banners around with their “I told you so” battle cries.

For most of us, it’s getting annoying and embarrassing, and really, it’s only a huge controversy here because it’s Vancouver. I bet most of the fans in this city don’t remember how in the 2009/2010 season, Tim Thomas was benched in favour of backup goalie Tuukka Rask going into the playoffs. Vezina-winning Thomas wasn’t playing at his best, so the Bruins were leaning on Rask down the stretch. That March in a game against Buffalo, Thomas was pulled for allowing 3 goals in 14 shots, and threw a tantrum worse than Luongo’s, shattering his goalie stick down the hallway to the locker room.

Tell me, did a goalie controversy continue in Boston?

More importantly, how did Thomas play the following season?

Goalies are some of the most unpredictable performers in hockey. Had Schneider been in net against Calgary last night, who knows, he might’ve actually let a couple in. Or he could've shut the door. That's the thing; no one can guarantee a goalie’s performance. 

So in the meantime, Canucks fans, why don’t you support whoever happens to be on the ice (like the whole team) and enjoy the game? It is November, after all, and we all know what that means.

2) Controversy #2: The Raffi Torres Costume Scandal. I said I wasn’t going to touch this with a 10-foot pole, aaaaaaand I’m still not going to, so I'll just leave it open.

Was it racist, or just a bit of Halloween fun?

3) Controversy # 3: Sean Avery’s return to the Rangers. I was surprised to see him released from the Rangers during the preaseason, and I'm even more surprised to see him called back now. Obviously Tortorella saw some mistake sending the agitator packing to the AHL since he’s coached more than a couple frustrating games so far this season.

But what I can’t help wonder is what the relationship between Torts and Avery will be from now on? Knowing both men are often volatile, I’d predict strained, and I’m not sure how either of them are going to keep their mouths shut about it in the long run.

"This is the same situation as any other player being brought up and we want to conduct it that way," Tortorella said this morning. "That's what is fair to Sean -- let's just conduct our business."

The thing is, Avery isn't just "any other player."

Sure, Avery was on his best behaviour in a press conference this morning, saying (over and over) how much he loves playing for the Rangers, but when all the smoke and mirrors are gone and Avery inevitably returns to his normal self, something’s got to give. It has to.

Torts and Avery are both ticking time bombs, often lacking the discipline to prevent their own explosions to the media. That might mean things are going to get good. Oh, the anticipation!

But you’ll have to wait a little longer for Avery’s “debut” since he will not be playing Thursday night.

4) Controversy #4: Ovechkin’s “fat” mouth. Apparently last night, when Caps coach Boudreau decided to bench a lacklustre Ovechkin late in the game, Ovechkin’s displeasure was caught on tape.

It’s being speculated that Ovie called Boudreau a “fat f*ck.”  See for yourself:

Boudreau was in the right to bench Ovechkin. Ovie was practically invisible for most of that game, and Boudreau was trying to send a message that those who deserve to play will play. Clearly, the Russian Superstar had an issue with that decision which led to his disrespectful behaviour.

Did Ovechkin have a momentary lapse of judgment and forget that cameras are constantly on the bench? Hello!

Personally I’m proud of Boudreau for sticking to his values and standing up to a star player we all know can be a little, let’s say, pouty.

Sidenote: Ovechkin did not address the media following last night’s controversy.

In other news, imagine Keith Ballard said something like that to Alain Vigneault? Yikes. #benchedforlife

That just about wraps it up for this week's episode of "NHL Drama." What will happen next week?

Stay tuned.