Are the rats really taking over?

Most of you probably remember Brian Burke's infamous rant on how "the rats are taking over the NHL." Most of you probably also scoffed at Burke when he said this, because he was GM of the Leafs at the time and as per NHL fan bylaws, everyone who is not a Leafs fan is required to make fun of everything the Leafs do.

But, over the past few weeks, it seems that Burke's statements from almost 2 years ago are in fact becoming a reality. At the time of the statement, all of the current NHLers who are largely considered "rats" - Patrick Kaleta, Steve Ott, Brad Marchand, Max Lapierre, Matt Cooke (who is now a changed man), Chris Neil, etc. were already in the league, but none of these players, save maybe Marchand and Cooke had reputations for being extremely dirty players. In the past two weeks however, Max Lapierre and Patrick Kaleta have been the subject of discussion in the NHL over two very dangerous hits, one from behind into the boards and one headshot.

Patrick Kaleta, who in the last year or so has built up a reputation as being one of, if not the dirtiest player currently playing in the NHL, received a 10-game suspension for his hit on Jack Johnson which he is currently appealing. Lapierre's hearing took place today and he received a 5-game suspension.

This leads us to the big question- was Brian Burke right? Are the rats really taking over the game? It is something to really think about. The Lapierre and Kaleta incidents should certainly draw lots of attention to this issue that is becoming more and more prominent around the league. The important thing is if NHL teams will choose to acknowledge it.