Fighting to Make an Impression

Towards the end of every season, teams finding themselves out of the playoff race are keen on bringing up a handful of players from the minor leagues and giving them a shot with the big club. The same can be said for playoff-bound teams that are looking to add depth or are experiencing injury problems late in the year.

Regardless of the situation, the aforementioned players are simply looking to make an impression. Last night’s game between the Flames and Leafs provided the perfect example.

In the first period, Phil Oreskovic dropped the gloves with a seasoned heavyweight in Andre Roy and ended up holding his own in a short scrap. They were followed by Warren Peters and Ben Ondrus, both established minor league players looking to finally get over the hump and secure a spot on an NHL roster. The two went toe-to-toe in a spirited bout in the second frame.

Other fights on Saturday saw Colton Orr and Riley Cote clash for the fourth time in the past two seasons in Rangers-Flyers (the two teams will play the second half of a home-and-home later today) and Raitis Ivanans pick a fight with Brad Staubitz after a hit on Jack Johnson in Kings-Sharks.

Videos added

Raitis Ivanans vs Brad Staubitz Mar 14, 2009
Chris Stewart vs Theo Peckham Mar 14, 2009
Warren Peters vs Ben Ondrus Mar 14, 2009
Andre Roy vs Phil Oreskovic Mar 14, 2009
Evgeny Artyukhin vs Ville Peltonen Mar 14, 2009
Colton Orr vs Riley Cote Mar 14, 2009
Chris Neil vs Milan Lucic Mar 12, 2009
Jared Boll vs Matt Walker Mar 13, 2009
Brandon Sugden vs Hans Benson Mar 7, 2009

Some reads

Them’s fightin’ words
N.H.L.’s Anti-Fighting Moves Criticized as Cosmetic
Brodeur joins Roy with 551st win | Roy glad to be there for Brodeur’s big night
Fighting is a foundation of hockey
Old nemesis Hunter coaches Isles’ possible No. 1
Laperriere relishes warrior role | One of the good guys
Funny thing about Chicago Blackhawk Kris Versteeg …
Moen admits playing former team ‘strange”