Canucks’ Alex Burrows avoids penalty for bite

Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Columbia

The Vancouver Canucks don’t understand the big fuss about a little bite.

Neither did the NHL.

Vancouver forward Alex Burrows avoided a suspension in the Stanley Cup finals on Thursday when league officials decided they couldn’t prove he deliberately bit the finger of Boston’s Patrice Bergeron during the Canucks’ series-opening 1-0 victory.

Although the Bruins weren’t terribly happy about NHL disciplinarian Mike Murphy’s decision, both teams realize they’ve got bigger issues than the after-the-whistle shenanigans that happen constantly in the NHL, particularly under playoff intensity.

After all, players have been biting, gouging, facewashing, elbowing, grabbing, spearing — and don’t forget punching — since probably the first period of the first game after Canada invented hockey.

“That’s how French guys say hello to one another,” joked Alexandre Bolduc, who centered the Canucks’ fourth line in Game 1. “You want to show respect, you put your fingers in someone’s mouth.”

Daniel and Henrik Sedin were relieved that such a silly incident didn’t sideline their linemate early in what’s shaping up as a gritty, goalie-dominated series heading into Game 2 on Saturday night.

Roberto Luongo shut out the Bruins with 36 saves, and Boston’s Tim Thomas matched him in a penalty-plagued game. Raffi Torres finally scored with 18.5 seconds to play.

“We need him out there,” said NHL scoring champion Daniel Sedin, who took eight shots without a goal in Game 1, said of Burrows. “He plays in every situation. Big part of this team. Obviously, we’re happy to have him inside the rink.”

Boston coach Claude Julien cautioned his players against whining about a single play in a chippy game.

“I’m over it,” Bergeron said after the Bruins’ workout. “I’m looking forward to the next game.”