TSN analyst Ferraro pokes fun at Leafs’ Phaneuf
There are dangers in broadcasting, but perhaps none more so than a live microphone.
In a clip that has already been making the rounds, TSN colour analyst Ray Ferraro is caught speaking frankly, during Tuesday night’s game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ferraro pokes fun at Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf for yelling during the game, using what Ferraro describes as his “high-pitched” voice. Later, someone on the air is heard to call Pittsburgh defenceman Paul Martin “terrible.”
“To clarify, Ray’s inappropriate comment did not go to air on TSN,” the network wrote in an email response on Wednesday. “The comment was made during a commercial break as part of a private discussion and inadvertently picked up during an online broadcast.”
The Penguins rallied from a 4-1 deficit to win the game 5-4, in a shootout. Phaneuf did not speak with reporters on Wednesday, as the Leafs prepared for a rematch with the Penguins at Air Canada Centre.
“Regardless, Ray takes this matter very seriously and has apologized to Dion Phaneuf and Brian Burke,” according to the TSN statement. “Both have graciously accepted the apology.”
Boulton, Boll fined by NHL
NEW YORK / New Jersey Devils forward Eric Boulton and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jared Boll have been fined $2,500 by the NHL on Wednesday.
Boulton slashed New York Rangers forward Mike Rupp early in the second period of the Devils’ 4-3 shootout win over New York on Tuesday. He was not penalized in the game.
Boll delivered an illegal check to the head of Sharks forward Joe Thornton 20 seconds into Columbus’ 6-0 loss to San Jose and was given a two-minute penalty.
The $2,500 fine is the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
Tavares tops in January
New York / New York Islanders centre John Tavares has been named the NHL’S first star for the month of January.
Tavares led the league in points last month with nine goals and 13 as- sists while registering a plus-11 rating. The third-year pivot recorded a point in all but one of the Islanders’ 13 games.
Second-star honours went to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin, who finished the first month of 2012 with league-high 12 goals and four assists.
Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne rounded out the monthly stars. The 29-year-old lost just one of his 12 starts — he is currently riding a 10-game winning streak — and posted a 1.92 goals-against average with a .935 save percentage.
Jets ready for Byfuglien return
TAMPA, Fla. / Dustin Byfuglien wasn’t exactly swarmed by the Winnipeg Jets when his return to the lineup became all but official — “game-time decision” is the party line right now — after practice Wednesday.
All that said, his impact on the Jets — both in terms of what he brings to a game and the clubhouse — was noticeable during his absence and, as well, upon his return.
Simply put: they may hide it well, but the organization is thrilled to have No. 33 back.
“He’s an all-star,” said veteran defenceman Randy Jones. “He’s a guy we rely on quite heavily, but he’s also just a good team guy to be around. He brings a lot.”
The Jets managed to tread water during Byfuglien’s absence due to a knee injury, going 7-8-1 since he pulled up lame before a game in Colorado on Dec. 27. But it’s also no coincidence that while the club was trending upward with him in the lineup, it has faded without his offensive punch and physical presence.
And …
The Calgary Flames signed forward Krys Kolanos to a two year, two-way contract and recalled him from Abbotsford of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. Through 34 games with Abbotsford this year, Kolanos leads the club with 40 points (18G, 22A) and was chosen to participate in the AHL all-star game this past weekend.
Centre Cal O’reilly has been picked up by the Pittsburgh Penguins on re-entry waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes.
Florida Panthers forward Scottie Upshall will miss the next four-to-six weeks. He is scheduled to undergo sports hernia surgery on Thursday.