Instant Karma

There have been lots of times where the term "Instant Karma" could hold true in life. I don't know if John Lennon was a hockey fan, but instant karma seems to hold true in the NHL. Call it what you like - "getting the last laugh", "just desserts", whatever - but there have been several incidents where John Lennon's lyrics have held true. Lennon sang "Instant karma's gonna get you/Gonna knock you right on the head/You better get yourself together/Pretty soon you're gonna be dead", and watching these highlights should give you a sense of why being a hockey fan is so good. You're not just watching the action, you're sometimes part of it. And instant karma suggests that we might just be better off watching the game than being part of it.

Example A: NHL fans are not NHL enforcers. For the most part, we have little training in how to hockey fight, and, for the most part, it's a good idea to never challenge 22 players on the bench. Especially if Rob Ray is one of them.

This fan took a beating at the hands of Rob Ray.

Example B: I've heard the stories about how brutal the fans in Philadelphia can be. Tie Domi must have heard them as well. Domi had a little fun in spraying water at an irate fan, and then pummeled the guy after he fell into the penalty box.

The guy gets jerseyed and then hammered by Domi.

Example C: The Big Bad Boston Bruins always had a mean streak to them, so annoying them was like poking a big dog with a short stick. In this case, a New York Rangers' fan steals Terry O'Reilly's stick. Chaos ensues. As a fan, why would you do something as stupid as this?

Milbury hits a fan with a shoe. The Rangers watch in awe of the Bruins.

Example D: Taunting a player after he gets hurt only means you're due for some embarassment. A Colorado Avalanche fan taunts Chicago's Steve Sullivan. I think this is what is known as a "last laugh".

All I need is Nelson's laugh from The Simpsons.

Classic highlights right there. Look, if you're a hockey fan, I have three pieces of advice for you. 1) Cheer on your team. 2) Drink less beer. 3) Stay outside of the glass and off the ice.

As for the last guy in those highlights, keep your eye on the puck, and you can enjoy the taunts all you want. Good on Steve Sullivan for having a little fun with that guy. That was too funny. Enjoy hockey, folks. Just don't be stupid.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!