Jennifer Botterill's comments put a target on her back for irate fans, analyst stands up for Sportsnet host

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Joshua Deeds
November 5, 2024 (9:04 PM)

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Jennifer Botterill's "hot-take" regarding the situation between the Penguins' Noel Acciari, the Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj, and Juraj Slafkovsky put her at the center of controversy.

She would challenge Kevin Bieksa's viewpoint on the "eye for an eye" situation, where players enforce "the code" when the referees don't.

The clash itself between Xhekaj and his revenge fueled an emotional response from fans at the beginning. Of course, they would clutch their pearls when someone else offered a different viewpoint.

Kevin Bieksa on the Sportsnet broadcast would discuss the retaliation in the context of "the code". Of course, Bieksa's no stranger to fighting so this take isn't surprising.

'The game is over... I think right there is the right time for Xhekaj to go at a guy who took out your star player earlier in the game. That for me is the right time to go at a guy. It's an eye for an eye. I don't think he's too apologetic about that, I wouldn't care. I wouldn't care if it's clean or not, you get my guy I'm getting you back at some point.'

Botterill's take which would put her in hot water with hockey purists was this:

Then you get players with potential suspensions or fines and you guys are just fine. Guess what the game is changing and there is other solutions. Maybe it's changing, maybe it can change. It has changed, it doesn't always have to be an eye for an eye.

The idea that the NHL can change, isn't a controversial idea. But the lack of accountability on the ice, up to the executives has shown this is ostensibly untrue, unfortunately. But they can work to make sure it does change. Regardless, it's her viewpoint, she's allowed to hold it.

Fans would call this take "soft" and thus a controversy would be born. Ragebait is perpetual in certain circles of the net.

Former NHL Enforcer-turned-analyst Luke Gadzic and Kevin Bieksa were respectful in their debate with Jennifer Botterill, the Olympic Gold Medallist. But did she deserve the hatred she received?

In no way whatsoever, so Ken Campbell of The Hockey News put his thumb on the weight of public opinion to shift perspectives.

But the keyboard warriors who got all triggered were in full force. And it was pathetic. It's a panel, which is a free-flowing exchange of ideas and opinions. Be better, people.

While no one is being forced to agree with Botterill, the outrage machine that operates frequently is ridiculous. It's the entire reason we hear from these personalities sometimes.

Of course, no one is perfect and neither is the NHL but if you're angry at systemic issues, maybe try George Parros, or direct your dislike and criticisms toward the people responsible for this situation?