Brandon Mashinter gets Ryan Reaves' jersey over his head. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Rookies Battle in San Jose

Both St. Louis and San Jose are top ten teams in fighting majors.  When they play, it's no surprise when the gloves hit the ice, nor was it when two more fights were added to this year's series last night.

What was surprising were the combatants.  Early in the first period rookies Brandon Mashinter and Ryan Reaves threw down.  Mashinter dominated the fight, but Reaves, to his credit, wouldn't back down, even with his jersey over his head.

Late in the second rookie Ian Cole took on the smaller, second year Benn Ferriero after Cole threw a big hit on Ferriero in the neutral zone.  Ferriero a collegiate player with Boston College, held his own despite the size disadvantage.  It was the first pro fight for Ferriero.

Both fights started with a rather cordial helmet removal and square off.

The other highlight from yesterday would be a mid-day scrap between middleweights Craig Adams and Gregory Campbell.  It was Campbell's most lop-sided win to date in the NHL.

Videos added

Ian Cole vs Benn Ferriero Jan 15, 2011
Ryan Reaves vs Brandon Mashinter Jan 15, 2011
Matt Beleskey vs Vernon Fiddler Jan 15, 2011
Chris Thorburn vs Brian Sutherby Jan 15, 2011
Eric Boulton vs Krys Barch Jan 15, 2011
Kris Newbury vs Travis Moen Jan 15, 2011
Craig Adams vs Gregory Campbell Jan 15, 2011
Matt Corrente vs Steve Downie Jan 14, 2011