2011-12 Worst Enforcing Team

[Merlin401]

Nominees

Detroit Red Wings - 15 fights
I think all you need to know about the Detroit Red Wings were led in fighting major by Justin Abdelkader. No, seriously, they were. In past seasons Detroit has at least pretended to roster a heavyweight, perhaps carrying them through pre-season and cutting them after a few games or signing someone over-the-hill to drop the gloves for a few precious nights late in the season. But not this year. It was the same collection of finesse players, Europeans, and cagey veterans like Todd Bertuzzi and Mike Commodore (5 combined fights plus 1 more in the playoffs) who the team could point to for "toughness," although even Commodore they traded away! The days of Probert-Kocur are long, long gone in Mo-Town. But, hey, at least they managed double digit fight totals again so the team's season fight tape will last longer than a commercial break

Tampa Bay Lightning - 23 fights
Another team that went without a heavyweight fighter and managed poor fight totals, although they at least had Ryan Malone (club leader with 6 fights) and the always crazy Steve Downie to keep things interesting. The team traded for Mike Commodore at the deadline to at least make an attempt at increasing team toughness.

Carolina Hurricanes - 19 fights
Carolina has become a annual nominee for this and, in my opinion, are the second most deserving team for their continued dismissal of the notion of carrying any heavyweights or even full time fighters. Tim Gleason led the team with 5 fights while the rest of the team managed a few lightweight fights here or there. Ultimately a model franchise for the new-NHL but not good for fans of the rough stuff.

New York Islanders - 27 fights
After being voted the leagues Best Enforcing team for the 2010-11 season, which included a legendary feud with the Penguins, the Islanders decided to be both bad and boring in 2011-12. Their fight total went from 68 to 27. They didn't play a heavyweight, instead leaving enforcing duties to Matt Martin. Last year's fan-favorite Michael Haley chipped in 7 fights in 14 exciting games, but was not in the lineup enough to make a season-long impact. In a year when the Atlantic Division was stacked with toughness and talent, it is truly sad to see what an afterthought the Islanders have become in ever sense of the word.


My pick

Ho-hum, another vote for Detroit and no doubt another category win. The HF staff is pressing to name this the Red Wings Award for Worst Enforcing Team, which is fully warranted but is so sad considering the wrecking ball this franchise was in the late 80s. I can't bring myself to rename it in deference to those teams just yet. At this point it's not only incredibly soft a franchise, but they just do everything to rub salt in the wounds. I thought trading away Mike Commodore this year was a nice touch!


Past winners

2003-04: Detroit Red Wings
2005-06: Detroit Red Wings
2006-07: Detroit Red Wings
2007-08: Detroit Red Wings (This year they didn't actually deserve it)
2008-09: Detroit Red Wings
2009-10: Detroit Red Wings
2010-11: Detroit Red Wings

[MattBurger]

You should just rename this the "Detroit Red Wings Award".

[cougar fists]

Vancouver Canucks... oh wait, they're not a real team.

[kam]

Another clear disgusting win for Detoilet on this one. So sad considering the players they used to have. I'd be insulted if I were a fan of the wings.

[bruiser11]

Vancouver wins.

[DARCY T]

carolina

if vancouver would have been nominated i would vote for them.they fought 38 times but it was guys like lapierre and ballard and lost majority of their fights and didnt dress any significant enforcer

[Killah_punk]

Detroit Red Wings the softest of the soft.

[fcm]

Detroit Red Wings win the Playing like the Detroit Red Wings Award.

[slashtrey]

No brainer...Wings

[IhateLindros]

Boy I really wanted to vote for the Islanders.

[BullyFan]

Red Wings get the Red Wings Award.

[Whaler Fan]

Montreal and Vancouver both get my vote.

Detroit is soft as we know, but for whatever reason opponents don't exploit this and rarely have to respond. That and they don't instigate so they never really put themselves in a position where they have to enforce. IMO

Montreal and Vancouver play an agitating style and will turn down fights. This past summer they should have acquired an enforcer since they both had issues responding last year.

Out of those choices I'd pick the Lightning or Hurricanes.

[ovechkinFTW]

Detroit has no tough guy, Montreal was horrible under Martin, Vancouver was alright, but then they kill Rypien.

[fcm]

Originally Posted by Whaler Fan

Montreal and Vancouver both get my vote.

Pretty obvious. Patt's choice.

[Whaler Fan]

Originally Posted by fcm

Pretty obvious. Patt's choice.

Were all entitled to our opinions. Right?