Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca reported on Monday that fighting is on the rise so far this NHL season. Good news, fisticuffs fans?
Through the first 119 games played this season, an average of 1.47 fighting majors have been called per game . . . [F]ighting has steadily been on the increase the past three years . . . In 2005-06 an average of .75 fighting majors were called each game. That increased to .80 in 2006-07 and 1.07 last season.
Neither the league nor the NHLPA is, at least by public statements, concerned. And its still quite early, and the numbers may very well balance out by Thanksgiving. The usual suspects lead the league in fighting majors: the Flyers and Brian Burke’s Anaheim Ducks with 12 each. Our Washington Capitals had five this October (and had three through October of last year).
Interestingly, all five Southeast teams are in the bottom ten this season in fighting majors. And last season, all five SE teams finished in the bottom half (Carolina being the feistiest team with 45 majors). Coach Boudreau has acknowledged that the Caps are not a demonstrably physical team, though they are the second heaviest team in the SE.
(That last point leads me to think about that imminent hefty rookie dinner bill, Mr. Tyler Sloan.)
washingtoncaps.com
Which raises again a slowly-simmering question, on an off-day. If fighting continues to rise, are you concerned about the Caps ability to hold down the fort in that department after this season?
Brashear may not be here in 2009-10. John Erskine might fill some of his role, as might Matt Bradley. In the Caps system? J.P. dutifully chronicles for us the junior league life and times of recent draft-pick Stefan Della Rovere (who we’d love to see develop into a Daniel Carcillo-type), but other than him? Grant McNeill, Steve Pinizzotto? Can those guys skate in Gabby’s system, even if such a role-playing spot opens?
Though the Ducks fought their way to the Stanley Cup in 2007, leading the league by far in fighting majors, the Red Wings had the fewest fights in the league last year, and skated away with the chalice. So is the presence of one elite heavyweight in Brashear’s weight class now overrated?
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October 29, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Scott in Shaw
Is Big Joe Finley a bruiser? He’s still a few years away, but that might be something.
October 29, 2008 at 3:39 pm
pepper
You’re right Scott. Huge guy, 6′7″ 245. My glaring oversight — 2005 pick in his senior year at UND, almost ready to turn pro. Could he be a candidate for switching from defense to forward for just that reason? Though as a collegiate player, he’s not getting experience throwing ‘em, intimidating a figure as he is.
October 29, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Mark aka Usually Frustrated Caps Fan
Pepper: Lots of people don’t realize that “back in the day” fighters grew out of scorers and talented folks who for some reaon or other had a slightly “incomplete” set of skills when looking at the NHL Level. Basically all 4 of the Flyers’ original “Broad Street Bullies” were very skilled and high scoring junios and minor leaguers, including Dave “The Hammer” Schultz, but also Don “Big Bird” Saleski; Bob “Hound Dog” Kelly, and Andre “Moose” Dupont. To a fair degree Donald Brashear is in their mold – a fairly solid “grinder” with some flashes who can fight. My point is “enforcer” is a role just like “power forward” or “catalyst” – the Caps have some big, talented guys, when Brashear retires, someone will step us, even bulk up and fill his role. And like Brash it’ll be someone who can play in Boudreau’s system. LETS GO CAPS!!!!!!!!!
November 14, 2008 at 4:30 pm
dmg
@ Mark,
I don’t think it will be that simple. A good enforcer is not only a guy who’s willing to a fight but a guy who’s strong enough and a good enough fighter to deter cheap shots and excessive roughness on the part of the opposition. Other than Erskine, I don’t think the Capitals have anyone like that.
Fortunately the Capitals have a ton of great assets so it wouldn’t be a big deal to send a fourth or fifth round pick off for a part time tough guy.