Thumbs down to Burrows’ apology and “run support" TSN's Dave Hodge gives a thumbs down to Alex Burrows’ apology to Patrick O’Sullivan and to the constant use of the term “run support” where NHL goalies are concerned.

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“Thumbs down” to Alex Burrows’ apology regarding damaging on-ice comments made in the past to Patrick O’Sullivan.

It’s good that Burrows didn’t deny digging at O’Sullivan about his difficult times with abuse at the hands of his father, and it’s good that he said he wouldn’t say such things now. But his apology made the mistake of including an inappropriate word. That word is “if.”

Burrows said, “I apologize if I offended him back then.” The suggestion is that Burrows isn’t sure he offended him, or thinks maybe his taunts shouldn’t have offended him as much as they did. Burrows has learned little unless he says he fully realizes how hurtful his words must have been, and then apologizes unconditionally, with remorse.

More “Goal Support?"

This won’t qualify as the most pressing issue of the day in the NHL, but it bugs me enough to say “thumbs down” to the constant use of the term “run support” where goalies are concerned.

Among several problems, Jonathan Bernier’s lack of run support has contributed to his long winless streak, although Leafs coach Mike Babcock pointed out that Bernier hasn’t lacked “run support” recently.

Clayton Kershaw of the LA Dodgers is a baseball pitcher famously and regularly victimized by a lack of “run support.” So I ask you: What would be the reaction in major league baseball circles if he was said to be deserving of more “goal support?” Just wondering.