12/21/24
January 20, 2004
FIGHT CLUB!: Rob Ray and Jeff Odgers wax poetic when it comes to fighting on the ice. For more fighting fun, check out Hockey Fights and their fight log.
posted by jasonspaceman to hockey at 07:26 AM - 9 comments
Is it just me, or is fighting in the NHL running rampant this year? Not that I'm complaining, mind you...
posted by MeatSaber at 11:54 AM on January 20, 2004
Its not you. Its the fighting: November numbers. I've read several references to the increase in fighting majors this season, compared to last year, but can't seem to find any at the moment.
posted by garfield at 01:15 PM on January 20, 2004
from here According to figures provided by the National Hockey League, there were 815 fighting majors as of a Jan. 17 vs. 686 at the same point last season. The 815 figure averages out to about 1.3 fights per game, a marginal rise from the 1.1 of a season ago
posted by goddam at 01:36 PM on January 20, 2004
So what's the cause? Frustration over inconsisent refereeing, or frustration due to the impending lockout?
posted by MeatSaber at 01:57 PM on January 20, 2004
Job security- Impress team brass to keep you on the payroll even if there aren't any games being played. Composite Sticks - Because stick-checking somebody is not slashing. Because ruining an odd-man rush because of your equipment is infuriating. Because it hurt a whole helluva lot taking that 110 mph slapper off the toe. Because, because, because, because, because of all of the wonderful things they does.
posted by garfield at 02:08 PM on January 20, 2004
proteinsaber, I think you're on to something with regards to the refereeing. I've heard recently that the refs are even unhappy with each other's performances, resulting in a shut down of on-ice communication and calls that make absolutely no sense, in the context of the particular game being played. If the refs can't control the game appropriately, the fighters will.
posted by garfield at 02:32 PM on January 20, 2004
Exhibit A: hot commodity Wade Brookbank. Fighting is up, teams know it and plan for it.
posted by garfield at 03:41 PM on January 21, 2004
Great article jasonspaceman, thanks.