Broadstreet Bullies

Give it up, Philly: the days of the Broadstreet Bullies are long over thanks to the NHL's "improved" discouragement of illegal hits and misconduct and more frequent suspension reviews for hits. I respect a team trying to play a more physical game, but enough is enough.
When a team draws repeated suspensions action has to be taken. You'd think the suspensions and the fines would be enough to discourage this sort of thing but apparently not. Steve Downie faces suspension after "sucker-punching" Jason Blake (who was restrained by an official at the time) in his fourth NHL game after serving a 20-game suspension for his hit on Dean McAmmond in a preseason game.
We need to concider alternate suspensions. Sitting the coach for a few games, for example. They're just as responsible for the players' actions by not making it clear that this type of conduct will not be tolerated.
Repeat offenders, such as the Islander's Chris Simon, need to face increasingly longer suspensions despite the intensity of the infraction. Any player drawing three suspensions in a season or calendar year should be suspended for the remainder of the season (or calendar year, if that's the rule). Kind of like the three strikes and you're out rule in law.
No matter what the final decision, if this type of conduct continues, especially in Philadelphia, the league needs to seriously reevaluate the discipline program. Cheap shots and serious injuries from bad hits are why hockey has gotten a bad name.

[Addition: January 7, 2008- 6:33 PM]
Steve Downie Escapes
NHL.com article via Canadian Press
Since when is punching a guy with his hands behind his back not a suspendible offense? Steve Downie got lucky on this one.

"I took a penalty that hurt the team and I can't do that," Downie told the Inquirer, admitting he has again been put on notice by the league. "There's a fine line you've got to follow and I crossed it again. I got to learn."

At least he recognizes that he's done something wrong. Still, NHL players have been in the game since childhood...when did Downie learn that this was acceptable behaviour? Still, the use of improper grammar makes me think Downie isn't the sharpest pencil in the cup. Let's hope that's a grave misprint.
I have to give the League some credit. If Downie is aware his actions are being monitored he may shy away from that "fine line."

[Addition: January 7, 2008- 12:22 PM]
More Flyers Drama
So, I finally saw video from the Philly/Jersey game. No matter what Darien Hatcher says, Travis Zajac did not swipe him. Zajac may have taken a swing, but the glove left in Hatcher's mouth attests to the claim of a bite. Plus, I have a hard time believing Zajac could cut himself (bad enough to require stitches) through the gloves, as Hatcher claims. Anyone up for a game of "Guess the Suspension?"