Hate the sin and love the sinner, eh

Saying "Take away the sucker punch and Walker's winner would make for a great story," was just a throwaway line, honest.

"RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes will make forward Scott Walker available to the media today during their team access period at the RBC Center. Scott's wife, Julie, was diagnosed with cervical cancer during the team’s series against the Boston Bruins, which concluded with Walker’s dramatic, overtime game-winner in Game 7 on Thursday night in Boston. Julie Walker's cancer is treatable, and she is expected to make a full recovery." — Carolina Hurricanes team release, via Kukla's Korner

That doesn't do much the villainy angle with regard to Walker decking the Boston Bruins' Aaron Ward and later scoring the series-winning overtime goal.