Big, big day in the NHL yesterday.  14 games with a total of 16 fights.

The highlight of the night was another round of Matt Carkner vs Colton Orr.  The third installment of this series went to Orr.  All three bouts have been decisive and the Leaf now takes the lead in the rivalry.

Drew Stafford and R.J. Umberger had a surprisingly good scrap.  After battling earlier in the game, the two came together along the boards.  As they separated Stafford removed his visored helmet and Umberger removed his own lid before the two traded punches.

There were two twofers last night as well.  Brandon Prust continues to be very busy as a Ranger and dropped the gloves twice with Andrew Peters.  Prust now has three fights in three games for New York and is tied with Zenon Konopka for the league lead with 21 FMs.

Wade Belak and Jody Shelley also fought twice down in Nashville.  The first scrap was a long one, and one of Belak’s best of the season.

While there were only two games early today, on Super Bowl Sunday, each of those games had a fight.  For most, there will be plenty of time to heal during the Olympic break.

Videos added

Blake Wheeler vs Ryan O’Byrne Feb 7, 2010
Craig Adams vs Mike Knuble Feb 7, 2010
Andrew Ladd vs Eric Brewer Feb 6, 2010
Cam Barker vs Barret Jackman Feb 6, 2010
Jody Shelley vs Wade Belak Round 2 Feb 6, 2010
Jody Shelley vs Wade Belak Round 1 Feb 6, 2010
Drew Stafford vs R.J. Umberger Feb 6, 2010
Steve Montador vs Jared Boll Feb 6, 2010
Paul Bissonnette vs Krys Barch Feb 6, 2010 x2
Dominic Moore vs Zach Bogosian Feb 6, 2010
Keith Ballard vs Ron Hainsey Feb 6, 2010
Andrew Peters vs Brandon Prust Round 2 Feb 6, 2010
Andrew Peters vs Brandon Prust Round 1 Feb 6, 2010
Ales Kotalik vs Stephane Veilleux Feb 6, 2010
Cory Sarich vs Todd Fedoruk Feb 6, 2010
Matt Carkner vs Colton Orr Feb 6, 2010
Bill Guerin vs Ryan White Feb 6, 2010
Darcy Hordichuk vs Shawn Thornton Feb 6, 2010

Some reads

‘A terrific rivalry’
Should Sean Avery’s taunting of NJ Devils’ Ilya Kovalchuk merit a misconduct penalty?
Senators underwhelmed by Raycroft

Dion Phaneuf and Brandon Prust didn’t take long to make an impression on their new teams.

After being challenged by Colin White just under seven minutes into his first game in Toronto, Phaneuf accepted and dropped the gloves, helping fire up the home crowd.  PL3 and Jay Rosehill had a great bout later in the period.

Prust, probably looking to remind his new team how he plays, went after Brandon Segal after Segal threw a hit on a Ranger.

In other action, Steve Ott went after Cal Clutterbuck twice for tossing the body around on the Stars’ stars.

Videos added

Brandon Prust vs Brandon Segal Feb 2, 2010
Cal Clutterbuck vs Steve Ott Feb 2, 2010
Cal Clutterbuck vs Steve Ott Feb 2, 2010
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond vs Jay Rosehill Feb 2, 2010
Colin White vs Dion Phaneuf Feb 2, 2010
Darcy Hordichuk vs Colton Orr Jan 30, 2010
Aaron Voros vs Cody McLeod Jan 31, 2010
Sheldon Souray vs Jarome Iginla Jan 30, 2010
Shawn Horcoff vs Mark Giordano Jan 30, 2010
Jared Boll vs Brad Winchester Jan 30, 2010
Wayne Simmonds vs Mark Stuart Jan 30, 2010

Some reads

Ott going toe-to-toe helped pump up Stars
Zdeno Chara casts some light on finger injury
Face it: Fighting helps the Flyers
Ask the Sharks: Jody Shelley

With 57 fights in 54 games, the Calgary Flames are the only NHL team averaging more than a fight per game.  They’ll need to keep fighting to stop the current nine-game losing streak (with three coming in the shootout).  They’ve lost 11 of 12 ever since winning five straight.

It’s been a roller coaster of a ride for fans.  They may not be able to count on wins, but they know they’ll get tough, defensive hockey. Brandon Prust has 18 fighting majors, second in the NHL to Zenon Konopka.  Brian McGrattan is tied for 6th in the league with 14 majors.

A Flames clip made the national highlight reels yesterday after Mark Fistric hit Eric Nystrom with Nystrom’s helmet in a fight.

Videos added

Chris Thorburn vs Arron Asham Jan 28, 2010
Eric Nystrom vs Mark Fistric Jan 27, 2010
Ryan O’Byrne vs Matt Smaby Jan 27, 2010
Mike Brown vs Matt Bradley Jan 27, 2010
Mike Brown vs Chris Thorburn Jan 26, 2010
Cam Janssen vs Brandon Prust Jan 25, 2010
Cam Janssen vs Brian McGrattan Jan 25, 2010

Some reads

NHL to crack down on headshots, Bettman says
Enforcers excel in art of grip it, rip it | Faster game, more fights in modern NHL
One time only - Fights
Canucks’ Kesler calls Blackhawks’ Ladd a ‘coward’
Kevin Westgarth’s Blog: Honored to be an enforcer

Wade Belak and David Koci fought halfway through the first period of the Preds-Avs game last night.  It was a decent heavyweight battle, one that sometimes settles down a game.  But both teams continued playing hard and with under a minute left in the same period Steve Sullivan and Wojtek Wolski dropped the gloves after a whistle.  Really.

Sullivan hasn’t been in a fight since he had a quick bout with Tony Granato in 1997.  It was Wolski’s first fighting major at any major hockey level.

The fight wasn’t much, but enough to get a little headline from local papers:
Denver Post
The Tennessean

Rangers & Flyers classic battle

There were four fights in the Rangers-Flyers game Thursday night.  Getting the most attention from that game [from the Daily News to HuffPo] is Daniel Carcillo punching up Rangers points leader Marian Gaborik.

Carcillo responded to his critics via TSN’s Michael Landsberg:

“If you watch the video he came after me and I fought him just like I’d fight anyone else.”

The 24-year-old went on to tell Landsberg he would not have fought Gaborik if he did not drop his gloves first.

“I was pretty surprised and I’m not really sure if [Gaborik] looked up and saw who it was, but he dropped his gloves, I dropped mine and the rest is history.”

New York and Philly play again on March 14th.

The Gazette on Laraque

Montreal’s The Gazette has gone after Georges Laraque each day after the Habs told him to stay home.

From Pat Hickey, yesterday:

But Laraque’s ice time reflected his ability - or lack thereof. He was a fourth-liner whose role was defined by his skills. His most obvious skill was his ability to throw punches, but he had nine fights last season and only four this year.

Fourth-liners have to understand and accept their role, and when they don’t, they tend to whine and become a distraction in the room. Laraque had reached that point.

From Mike Boone, today:

In the wake of the Georges Laraque debacle, however, Gainey had to say something. And part of what the GM said was an acknowledgment that he had erred in signing the erstwhile heavyweight champion of the NHL.

Those of us old enough to remember Eaton’s will recall the department store’s promise: “Goods satisfactory or money refunded.” Sadly, the slogan died with the passing of the great retailer.

Teeth Thief? Someone Swiped Lappy’s Teeth
George Parros: Ducks hit some turbulence
Zenon Konopka gets fist flying fast against New York Rangers
Sinking Habs get physical
Mitchell’s first NHL fight wins some kudos
Canucks’ Tanner Glass will do ‘whatever it takes’ to win
Latendresse: From banger to big-time scorer
A Gentleman Enforcer Turns His Focus to Haiti

Another busy Saturday has ended in the NHL and the only fistic action was early in the afternoon.  Just two games featured fights, Devils-Avs with three, Bruins-Kings with two.

Andrew Peters and David Koci got things started early in Colorado.  It was an even affair with Peters losing the armpit of his sweater.

Things picked up again the second period.  Mark Fraser and Ryan Wilson dropped the gloves a few minutes in, and Rod Pelley and Matt Hendricks went half-way through the period.

Out in LA, Adam McQuaid continued his introduction into the NHL.  He fought Brandon Segal.  It was McQuaid’s second fight in three games.  He’s played in just eight games so far this season.  It was Segal’s first regular season NHL fight.

The heavies went later in the first.  Shawn Thornton and Raitis Ivanans each moved higher up the FM leaders list.

Words, words, words

The talk about Darcy Hordichuk’s choice of words before fighing Derek Boogaard Wednesday night has simmered.

It amounts to: I didn’t say that and I don’t remember.  From The Province:

“No, I never did say that and at the end of the day, I probably believe Boogaard on this one,” Vigneault said Thursday. “It wouldn’t surprise me that Hordi told him: ‘Coach told me I’ve got to fight.’ It must have been a real intellectual conversation. How smart can you be to go after a guy like that?
...

“AV is the last guy who would ever send a player out,” said Hordichuk, who was also assessed a 10-minute misconduct for wanting a piece of Clutterbuck after the Boogaard bout. “I don’t know what I said to him at the time we were lining up. He wasn’t looking at me and I wasn’t sure he was going to fight. I told the refs ahead of time I might get a two-minute instigator.

“When the coach has to tell me to fight, I’m not going to be in the league very long. When guys are picking on your guys, that’s your green light to go after them.”

Videos added

Shawn Thornton vs Raitis Ivanans Jan 16, 2010 x2
Adam McQuaid vs Brandon Segal Jan 16, 2010 x2
Rod Pelley vs Matt Hendricks Jan 16, 2010
Mark Fraser vs Ryan Wilson Jan 16, 2010
Andrew Peters vs David Koci Jan 16, 2010
Wade Belak vs Brian McGrattan Jan 15, 2010 x2
Jay Rosehill vs Jason Chimera Jan 15, 2010 x2
Colton Orr vs Shaone Morrisonn Jan 15, 2010 x2

Some reads

Brashear benefits from Torts’ ‘numbers’ game
Grim Reaper: Not what you might expect
May was robbed
Inside the NHL: Case against Pens’ TV producer doesn’t add up

When the Wild are up 5-2 in the third and both Derek Boogaard and John Scott are in the lineup, who’s going to try and send a message?

According to Darcy Hordichuk via Boogaard, the answer to that is Canucks’ coach Alain Vigneault.  From Russo’s Rants:

According to Boogaard, before the faceoff, Hordichuk told him that “The coach is making US fight you guys.”

Hordi just lunged at Boogaard, trying to give him no chance to setup.  Not a bad idea for someone giving up half a foot.  They went to the ice quickly and I’m sure Hordichuk was just fine with that.

Alexandre Bolduc then squared off with Scott.  Also giving up half a foot, Bolduc willingly traded punches with the huge defenseman and wound up taking some heavy shots.  The Wild broadcast reported he needed some help skating off the ice.

Tanner Glass and Shane Hnidy then fought a few minutes later.

The two teams meet again on Valentine’s Day.  I’m sure it’ll be a loving affair.

David Backes vs Team Canada

David Backes, having a down year after scoring 31 goals last season, was still picked to represent the USA in Vancouver for next month’s Olympic games.

Either by coincidence, NHL strategy, or forward-thinking for the Olympics, Backes has dropped the gloves in January with Jonathan Toews, Corey Perry and Rick Nash, all playing for Team Canada.

A little Backes watch was setup in the forums. Which Olympian is next?

Missed stories

A lot has gone on since I’ve been able to make a blog post.  The KHL brawl, Alexandre Burrows, some great bouts.  I’ll try and catch up on those here, but there are good discussions about all in the forums.

Videos added

Byron Bitz vs Kyle Chipchura Jan 13, 2010 x2
Adam McQuaid vs Troy Bodie Jan 13, 2010 x2
Eric Godard vs Brian McGrattan Jan 13, 2010
Tanner Glass vs Shane Hnidy Jan 13, 2010
Alexandre Bolduc vs John Scott Jan 13, 2010
Darcy Hordichuk vs Derek Boogaard Jan 13, 2010
Jason Chimera vs Gregory Campbell Jan 13, 2010 x2

Some reads

Uncertainty gnaws at Laraque
Burrows affair rubs league wrong way
The Steve Ott contract issue
Downie’s future with Bolts now looking up | Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steve Downie raises his game as he tries to calm down
Taunting a blemish on the NHL

The Blackhawks and Blues opened up the new year by turning back the clock.  There were nine goals along with five fights due to St Louis being beaten handedly at home.

Everyone got in on the action, including scorers Jonathan Toews and David Backes.  Backes may not have many career fights, but his experience was more than enough compared to Toews’ one previous fight - and it showed during the bout.

Ben Eager was the only player to pick up more than one major.

The two rivals have four more games to play this season.

First Winter Classic fight

The first fight in the Winter Classic did happen.  Shawn Thornton took on Daniel Carcillo in front of a Fenway crowd that may not have liked the outcome of the fight as much as the outcome of the game.

Videos added

Troy Bodie vs Dustin Byfuglien Jan 3, 2010
Cody McLeod vs Jared Boll Jan 2, 2010
Ben Eager vs B.J. Crombeen Jan 2, 2010 x2
Jonathan Toews vs David Backes Jan 2, 2010 x2
Cam Barker vs Mike Weaver Jan 2, 2010 x2
Colin Fraser vs Carlo Colaiacovo Jan 2, 2010 x2
Ben Eager vs Barret Jackman Jan 2, 2010 x2
Jason Strudwick vs Ryane Clowe Jan 2, 2010
Steve Staios vs Jay Leach Jan 2, 2010
Darcy Hordichuk vs Krys Barch Jan 2, 2010
Daniel Carcillo vs Shawn Thornton Jan 1, 2010

Some reads

Enforcing the issue: Blackhawks don’t back down vs. Blues
Lemaire downplays his impact on the Wild
Bissonnette contributes skill, fighting
Slats’ Fat Cats gotta go
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Blair Jones has the right ‘intangibles’
Abney adds ‘other element’
‘The Diesel’ fuels Mallards enforcer Goulet
Killing Penalties a Thankless, Yet Important Job

Update Jan 8 130pm: A few technical issues are popping up.  It has slowed down some blogging and given a video delay or two, but all will be posted and should be normal by end of weekend.

The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers added another round to their season battle last night.  The Flames came out on top once again and there were four fights in the contest.

Calgary is now 4-0 versus Edmonton this season.  One game was decided in OT.  There has been a fight in each game and a total of nine for the four games.

The two teams play again New Year’s Eve.

Last night’s action started off with an unlikely pair of Dustin Boyd and Andrew Cogliano.  It was Boyd’s first NHL scrap and his first since playing in the WHL four years ago.  For Cogliano, it was his first professional fighting major.  He played two NCAA seasons for Michigan before jumping to the NHL in 2007-08.

Videos added

Aaron Johnson vs Ryan Stone Dec 28, 2009
Robyn Regehr vs Steve Staios Dec 28, 2009
Jarome Iginla vs Ladislav Smid Dec 28, 2009
Dustin Boyd vs Andrew Cogliano Dec 28, 2009
Chris Thorburn vs David Clarkson Dec 28, 2009
Eric Boulton vs Andrew Peters Dec 28, 2009
Byron Bitz vs Zenon Konopka Dec 28, 2009
Doug Janik vs Alexandre Picard Dec 28, 2009
Brad May vs Jared Boll Dec 28, 2009
Tanner Glass vs Brandon Prust Dec 27, 2009
Kevin Bieksa vs Eric Nystrom Dec 27, 2009
Craig Rivet vs B.J. Crombeen Dec 27, 2009

Some reads

Sather needs to acquire big bodies for Rangers
Penner beginning to come into his own
Game has fighting chance
Physical present

Merry Christmas everyone.  The NHL is on a two-day break.  Hopefully many of you have your own break as well, enjoying some time off, even if you don’t celebrate the holiday.

A quick recap of the last few days:
- Clayton Stoner easily handled Ryan Stone last night.  Stoner is trying to make an impression with the big club.  It was his second fight in three days.
- Shea Weber doesn’t fight a ton, but looks very strong when he does.  Ryan Kesler was on the wrong end of it Tuesday night.
- Ian Laperriere fought three times Monday night against the Panthers.  The Panthers went into the game with the expectation of gloves hitting the ice.

Hanzal protection

Martin Hanzal had a decent scrap with Jared Boll Monday night.  Boll wound up landing a clean shot towards the end, cutting Hanzal’s nose.  Hanzal, who has as many fights in his career as Boll has in a month, was asked about why he fought:

“When you see somebody going after one of your skill players, you better protect him or at least try to protect him,” Hanzal said. “...That’s the NHL.”

Videos added

Michael Blunden vs Brian Sutherby Dec 23, 2009
Ryan Stone vs Clayton Stoner Dec 23, 2009
Sheldon Souray vs Owen Nolan Dec 23, 2009
Matt Carkner vs Craig Adams Dec 23, 2009
Chris Neil vs Michael Rupp Dec 23, 2009
Shea Weber vs Ryan Kesler Dec 22, 2009 x2
Kyle Chipchura vs Matt Hendricks Dec 22, 2009
Frazer McLaren vs Bryan Bickell Dec 22, 2009
Jared Boll vs Martin Hanzal Dec 21, 2009
Marc Methot vs Paul Bissonnette Dec 21, 2009
Darryl Sydor vs Ethan Moreau Dec 21, 2009 x2
Brad Winchester vs Jean-Francois Jacques Dec 21, 2009 x2
B.J. Crombeen vs Zack Stortini Dec 21, 2009 x2
Chris Durno vs Clayton Stoner Dec 21, 2009
Dennis Seidenberg vs Ian Laperriere Dec 21, 2009
Mike Duco vs Ian Laperriere Dec 21, 2009
Bryan McCabe vs Mike Richards Dec 21, 2009
Gregory Campbell vs Ian Laperriere Dec 21, 2009

Some reads

Jackets’ nemesis is Boll’s best bud
Flyers getting booed and booed
Over the Glass and Into Hockey Lore
Faulty propane torch may have caused Wild’s truck blaze
The nice guys of hockey
Consistency a present for Canucks faithful?