Bad Blood Boils in Boston

It seems that the Bruins have fought in bunches this season. The majority of the team’s fighting majors have come during six multi-fight games. Last night was no different in Boston’s game against the Ducks.

With the B’s up 3-0, a heavyweight bout between Shawn Thornton and George Parros took place eight minutes into the second period. Moments later, things escalated after Mike Brown took exception to Milan Lucic rushing in on Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller, who was covering the puck.

Brown gave Lucic a gloved punch to the face and then continued to go after him. They dropped the gloves and Brown landed a right hand before losing his balance and falling to the ice. Lucic followed him down and hammered away until Sheldon Brookbank jumped on top of him. All of the other players on the ice (sans goalies) piled in but nothing else came of it. Brookbank was ejected from the game for being the third man in.

Less than a minute later, Marc Savard dropped the gloves after being roughed up by Scott Niedermayer, but the two only received roughings. The Bruins and Ducks won’t see each other again this season, but their next meeting might be one to look out for if certain players remain on the respective rosters.

Other notable bouts that took place on Thursday included a long battle between Eric Boulton and Donald Brashear and a one-sided scrap between Jason Strudwick and Raffi Torres. There were six fights overall on the night.

Laraque to play tonight

After declaring he doesn’t want to be traded, Georges Laraque is expected to be back in the Canadiens’ lineup tonight against the Flyers.

Videos added

Mike Brown vs Milan Lucic Feb 26, 2009
George Parros vs Shawn Thornton Feb 26, 2009
Raffi Torres vs Jason Strudwick Feb 26, 2009
Brad Winchester vs Krys Barch Feb 26, 2009
Eric Boulton vs Donald Brashear Feb 26, 2009
Ian Laperriere vs David Clarkson Feb 26, 2009

Some reads

NHL agents among those trying to figure out what economy will do to game
Wings interested in Lappy
Caps Get Recognized Around Town
Unhappy Laraque rocks boat
Wild’s survival must come on road
Stars Acquire Begin From Montreal In Exchange for Janik
Ducks Acquire Ryan Whitney | Kunitz ‘shocked’ at deal by Ducks
Wings’ Maltby looks back on 999
Caps’ Backstrom Develops Away From Spotlight
Calgary billionaire has ‘handshake agreement’ to buy into Predators

Giveaway

Inspired by Upper Deck’s National Hockey Card Day up in Canada, we’re giving away a box of 2008-09 NHL Fleer Ultra.

To enter, make a single post (can be anything) in this thread.  Register if you’re not a member already.

Contest rules | Entry thread

Laraque: “I Don’t Want to Be Traded”

Yesterday there was a lot of talk about Georges Laraque expecting to be traded from the Canadiens.  Laraque was asked if he was frustrated about not playing the last couple of games for the Canadiens.  He said he was and there were reports that he said he wouldn’t have signed with Montreal last summer if he knew he wasn’t going to be a regular in the lineup.

He confirmed with us that he did not ask for a trade, and added that he won’t.

I asked Laraque hypothetically where he’d want to go if he was traded.  His reply was “nowhere, I would retire.”

Knowing Big George’s love for the game, I have my doubts about that, but I do think it shows his frustration, not just with his lack of playing, but with the media attention about what he says is a misinterpretation of what he originally said.

RDS is reporting that Laraque is saying not only does he not want to be traded, but that he won’t lift a no-trade clause in his contact.

Je ne veux pas être échangé, a-t-il précisé. J’ai une clause de non-échange et je n’ai pas l’intention de la lever. Je veux jouer ici, je veux finir ma carrière ici.

Translated: I do not want to be traded, he said. I have a no-trade clause and I do not intend to lift it. I want to play here, I want to finish my career here.

Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau does not seem thrilled about the timing of Laraque’s comments, as the Habs have won their last two games.

Naslund Tries to Spark Rangers

Thursday night’s slate of games only produced one fight. Who would have thought Markus Naslund would be involved in it?

The cause of the scrap occurred six minutes into last night’s Rangers-Leafs game. Ian White, who ironically has also fought Ilya Kovalchuk this season, took a run at Naslund along the boards. Naslund moved out of the way in time and delivered a gloved punch to White’s face before skating away. White followed him to the front of the Toronto net and the two exchanged some shoves before dropping the gloves. The fight wasn’t much, just some grappling until the linesmen intervened, and New York ended up losing in a shootout.

Even though it was Naslund’s second career bout, it was the first time that he discarded his gloves. Why is that? Well, you’ll have to go all the way back to Naslund’s days with the Penguins to witness his last altercation. He didn’t provide much offense against Randy Cunneyworth.

Laraque expects to be dealt

Despite signing a three-year deal with the Canadiens last summer, Georges Laraque feels that he might be on his way out of town already. Laraque spoke to the media after practice yesterday afternoon and revealed that his lack of playing time could be signaling a change in scenery by the trade deadline.

However Laraque strongly states that despite his premonitions, he’s not going to look for a way out himself. “I never asked for a trade and I won’t,” Laraque told hockeyfights.com.

It’s also interesting to note that another player reportedly experiencing issues with the club as well is Steve Begin, who is in the final year of his contract.

Videos added

Markus Naslund vs Ian White Feb 25, 2009
Markus Naslund vs Randy Cunneyworth Dec 4, 1993
Keith Ballard vs Chuck Kobasew Feb 24, 2009
Jamal Mayers vs Jason Chimera Apr 13, 2006
Jamal Mayers vs Duvie Westcott Apr 13, 2006
Chris McRae vs Tie Domi Mar 3, 1990
Brandon Sugden vs Paul Bissonnette Feb 25, 2009
Brodie Dupont vs Deryk Engelland Feb 25, 2009

Some reads

Q&A with David Singer (hockeyfights.com)
Bitz making most of chance
League should cultivate Sid-Ovie war
Was it a cheap shot? Ducks, Sabres disagree
Buffalo home is sweet for Ducks’ Marchant
Goertzen ‘takes it one game at a time’
Wang: Options open on Islanders’ relocation
So I asked if he wanted to fight ...
Red Wings sell out in Sweden
Coyotes getting arena lease break
Red Wings’ Kirk Maltby on verge of 1,000th game
Ex-Bruin Boynton a regular in the sin bin
Even-keeled Devereaux gets another shot at NHL
Canadian may buy share of Predators

Giveaway
Inspired by Upper Deck’s National Hockey Card Day up in Canada, we’re giving away a box of 2008-09 NHL Fleer Ultra.

To enter, make a single post (can be anything) in this thread.  Register if you’re not a member already.

Contest rules | Entry thread

Habs Win Cross-Canada Battle

Just like with every season, the NHL’s Canadian-based teams are finding a willingness to drop the gloves whenever they face each other this year. It was no different Tuesday night when the Canucks and Canadiens locked horns.

After bumping Saku Koivu during a line change, Alex Burrows received a stick in the chest from the Montreal captain. They then got tangled up near the benches and neither was content to let go of the other. As a result, all of the other players on the ice joined in, with Shane O’Brien greeting Greg Stewart with a right hand just before the two skated away from the scrum and continued to throw.

Burrows and Koivu continued to grapple while Kevin Bieksa and Mike Komisarek wrestled in close quarters. They eventually broke apart but officials were there to prevent anything else from happening and O’Brien and Stewart were the only players handed majors. The Habs went on to win the game 3-0.

Three other fights took place elsewhere in the league, including an entertaining heavyweight bout between David Koci and Steve MacIntyre.

Giveaway
Inspired by Upper Deck’s National Hockey Card Day up in Canada, we’re giving away a box of 2008-09 NHL Fleer Ultra.

To enter, make a single post (can be anything) in this thread.  Register if you
re not a member already.

Contest rules | Entry thread

Videos added

David Koci vs Steve MacIntyre Feb 24, 2009
Shane O’Brien vs Greg Stewart Feb 24, 2009
Sheldon Brookbank vs Paul Gaustad Feb 24, 2009
Tie Domi vs Doug Doull Mar 25, 2004
Tie Domi vs Eric Godard Oct 20, 2003

The rest of last night’s clips should be added later today.

Listen up
2/24 - Paul Gaustad Post-Game

Some reads

During his stint as an analyst, Tortorella had harsh words for Avery
Sports of The Times: Potvin Chant Endures With a Smile, Not a Snarl
McAmmond was Islanders fan as a kid
Glendale bailing out Coyotes
Lecavalier Glad Trade Talk Should Dissipate
Sather took too many gambles
Lawton: No tampering issues with Rangers

Reminders

There was only one game in the NHL last night.  The Stars and Sharks played a tight one, with the Sharks coming out on top thanks to a third period goal by Devin Setoguchi.  There were no fights.

I thought it’s a good time then to put out a few reminders.

Giveaway

Inspired by Upper Deck’s National Hockey Card Day up in Canada, we’re giving away a box of 2008-09 NHL Fleer Ultra.

To enter, make a single post (can be anything) in this thread.  Register if you’re not a member already.

Contest rules | Entry thread

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Renney fired

Ok, I want to sneak a little more hockey in here.  Rangers coach Tom Renney was let go yesterday.  The replacement is John Tortorella.  There’s still a deal that needs to be worked out between the Blueshirts and Bolts, but it’s happening.

Something I twittered (tweeted?) from my own account earlier: I cannot wait for Larry Brooks to have to talk to John Tortorella every night. Post-game press could be better than in-game action.

Sure, it’s not Rangers-Flyers, but the comfort level in the Garden may have just dropped a bit if we see more press conferences like this one.

Videos added

Shane Doan vs Ian Laperriere Apr 11, 2006
Terry Carkner vs Basil McRae Nov 21, 1993 Round 2
Terry Carkner vs Basil McRae Nov 21, 1993 Round 1
Brad May vs Nick Kypreos Jan 6, 1993

Some reads

NHL teams need to be wary of opening the season overseas
Laperriere still looking for contract extension
Dallas Stars’ Steve Ott shoots, scores, agitates
Toe fracture sidelines Minnesota Wild’s Owen Nolan
Rule changes soften NHL tone

B’s and Bolts Show Grit

A rough and tumble first period between the Bruins and Lightning produced a pair of fights on Sunday afternoon. The first was a scrap between resident heavyweights Shawn Thornton and David Koci, which saw the two exchange a couple of punches before quickly falling to the ice.

Minutes later, veteran Gary Roberts got into his first fight this season against Mark Stuart. It was a spirited battle of the young and old as the 42-year-old Roberts, whose last prior bout came against Andy Sutton last season, was taking on someone 18 years younger than him. It was also something that Roberts had in mind due to Stuart’s actions earlier in the game:

Gary Roberts wasn’t crazy about how Boston D Mark Stuart took runs at RW Mark Recchi and C Steven Stamkos. So after the defenseman took a run at Stamkos, Roberts had enough and took on the 24-year-old, who is nearly half Roberts’ age.

“I thought it was time to stand up for my teammates and try to get a little bit of excitement in the building,” Roberts said.

In other action, Chris Stewart took on Tim Conboy in Avs-Canes and Jamal Mayers exchanged punches with Aaron Voros in Leafs-Rangers.

Videos added

Jamal Mayers vs Aaron Voros Feb 22, 2009
Mark Stuart vs Gary Roberts Feb 22, 2009
Shawn Thornton vs David Koci Feb 22, 2009
Chris Stewart vs Tim Conboy Feb 22, 2009
Matt Clackson vs Grant McNeill Feb 21, 2009
Tommy Maxwell vs Aaron Downey Feb 20, 2009

Some reads

Ovechkin, Crosby, McGuire and the Verbal Stuff
How’d Skoula get to No. 700? ‘I just play’
Blackhawks’ defense emerges as driving force
Ducks’ Murray listening to trade offers
AHL ref counts his blessings, and 50 lost lives
Islanders want fans to hurry up and wait
Walker close to return
Rangers honour a temporary Leaf

Early and Often

Boris Valabik trades punches with Jody Shelley. From Jon Swenson of Sharkspage

Five out of Saturday’s eight fights took place during the afternoon portion of games. The action kicked off when Eric Godard and Riley Cote fought for the third time this season during the first period of Flyers-Pens.

A pair of scraps in an All-Canadian clash between the Sens and Habs followed, as did another heavyweight bout between Boris Valabik and Jody Shelley (who are pictured above) in Thrashers-Sharks.

The highlight of the night was a three-fight affair between the Ducks and Jackets. The rough stuff started after Jared Boll decked Brendan Morrison with a hit along the boards early on, prompting Travis Moen to grab Boll and exchange punches with him. Boll ended up fighting again later in the game with George Parros. His two bouts sandwiched a scrap between Derek Dorsett and Brendan Mikkelson, who was participating in his first NHL fight.

Friday’s lone bout featured Steve Downie dropping the gloves with Tim Conboy in Lightning-Canes.

National Hockey Card Day Giveaway

Yesterday in Canada, Upper Deck did a “National Hockey Card Day” promotion where they gave away thousands of exclusive trading card packs in a variety of stores across the country. To join in the fun, we’re going to do a giveaway of our own here at hockeyfights.com.

We’re going to giveaway a box of 2008-09 NHL Fleer Ultra. Each box has 24 Gold Medallion parallels, six Ultra Rookies, one rookie redemption and two game-used or autograph cards, on average.

How to enter? Easy - go to this thread and make a post. It can be anything, “I’m in” works just fine. Two posts gets you dq’d. Lurkers - it can be your first post, we’re cool with that. Register if you’re not a member already.

Videos added

Daniel Winnik vs Kyle Quincey Feb 21, 2009
George Parros vs Jared Boll Feb 21, 2009
Brendan Mikkelson vs Derek Dorsett Feb 21, 2009
Travis Moen vs Jared Boll Feb 21, 2009
Boris Valabik vs Jody Shelley Feb 21, 2009
Shean Donovan vs Josh Gorges Feb 21, 2009
Jarkko Ruutu vs Mathieu Dandenault Feb 21, 2009
Eric Godard vs Riley Cote Feb 21, 2009
Steve Downie vs Tim Conboy Feb 20, 2009

Some reads

Dark sides for Dallas
Pest delivers plenty of bang for ‘buck
Prognosis negative
Recchi is unhappy; Smith decision next?
Wild: Motivate player? It’s all relative
Lightning doing fine financially, commissioner Gary Bettman says
Jackets’ key to success was finding Mr. Wright
The Bettman cometh
I was never a traitor to Leafs: Sundin
Louie DeBrusk talks Coyotes, work
Campoli asked out; Isles send him, Comrie to Sens
Boo birds don’t bother Ducks’ Pronger

National Hockey Card Day Giveaway

Upper Deck is doing a fun promotion up in Canada today: National Hockey Card Day.

They’re giving away hundreds of thousands of exclusive “National Hockey Card Day” NHL trading card packs for free (again, only in Canada). Hobby shops, Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us or London Drugs are where our Canadian friends can find them (full list and details here).

To join in the fun, we’re going to do a giveaway of our own here at hockeyfights.com.

We’re going to giveaway a box of 2008-09 NHL Fleer Ultra.  Each box has 24 Gold Medallion parallels, six Ultra Rookies, one rookie redemption and two game-used or autograph cards, on average.

How to enter? Easy - go to this thread and make a post. It can be anything, “I’m in” works just fine. Two posts gets you dq’d. Lurkers - it can be your first post, we’re cool with that. Register if you’re not a member already.

Contest rules | Entry thread

A Bit of Everything

Thursday night had a hefty schedule, featuring almost a full slate of games and a little bit of everything fighting-wise, including a heavyweight bout, multiple middleweight scraps, multi-fight games, and a near line-brawl.

It all started during the first few minutes of Habs-Pens, when Georges Laraque and Eric Godard decided to drop the gloves. The square off made it seem like we were in store for a classic bout, but the two ended up exchanging just a punch each before losing their balance and falling to the ice. A rematch didn’t happen.

A variety of fights followed: Luke Schenn put in an impressive performance against Jared Boll; Shean Donovan took on Kevin Bieksa and his Senators temporarily closed the scoring gap against the Canucks; and Ed Jovanovski fought for the first time in a long time against Chris Thorburn.

In the Oilers-Stars game , Dallas agitator Steve Ott sent Tom Gilbert flying with a hit, prompting Dwayne Rolson to come out of his net and shove him to the ice. Ethan Moreau and Ladislav Smid dove on top of Ott and everyone else piled in. Moreau tried to go after Ott again once players started separating and picked up an instigator before he was slammed down by Nicklas Grossman. Erik Cole and Mark Fistric also exchanged many a shove and picked up 14 PIM each.

All in all: 9 fights occurred in 12 total games. A solid night.

Videos added

Chris Thorburn vs Ed Jovanovski Feb 19, 2009
Garnet Exelby vs Daniel Carcillo Feb 19, 2009
Ethan Moreau vs Steve Ott Feb 19, 2009
David Clarkson vs Matt Smaby Feb 19, 2009
Chad LaRose vs Mike Comrie Feb 19, 2009
Tim Conboy vs Tim Jackman Feb 19, 2009
Kevin Bieksa vs Shean Donovan Feb 19, 2009
Jared Boll vs Luke Schenn Feb 19, 2009
Georges Laraque vs Eric Godard Feb 19, 2009

Some reads

Ovechkin Goal Lifts NHL Back into Sports Highlights
Boogaard brothers offer fighting tips to young hockey players
Despite tough season, Mark Streit enjoys being with Islanders
NHL Linesmen Are Unseen, Often Hurt
Stortini not just a Huggy Bear | Stortini earns rave reviews
Isles put up fight against Rangers
NHL to open next season with 4 games in Europe
Predators will ‘break even’ financially
Blackhawks’ Kris Versteeg improves his overall game

Hossa Ends Wings’ Fight Drought

If someone was going to break the Red Wings’ fighting drought, you wouldn’t expect it to be Marian Hossa. However Detroit’s biggest offseason acquisition did just that when he exchanged punches with Predators defenseman Ryan Suter last night.

It was the first fight that the Wings had been involved in since Andreas Lilja took on Jared Boll on November 28. That’s over 30 games ago. The fans at the Joe were so excited that they rose to their feet at the sight of Dan Hamhuis and Johan Franzen staring each other down moments before. The excitement in Mickey Redmond’s voice was evident as well.

Detroit fans aren’t advised to expect this kind of thing more often now, that’s for sure. But I’m sure some will take solace in the fact that Darren McCarty expects to start a conditioning stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins within the next week.

Dorsett Dropped; Isles and Rangers Nearly Brawl

Clean knockdowns in fights don’t seem to be as prevalent this season as in years past, but B.J. Crombeen achieved just that when he blasted Derek Dorsett with a right hand during their scrap in Blues-Jackets. Dorsett was woozy afterwards and fell once while trying to get back to his feet until he was helped off the ice by a linesman.

Also, a near line-brawl erupted during the second period of Isles-Rangers. Erik Reitz took exception to a hard hit along the boards Blake Comeau gave to Dmitri Kalinin and ended up putting a knee-on-knee hit on Sean Bergenheim after chasing him down. Andy Hilbert tackled Reitz and all of the players (goalies excluded) jumped into the fray. Bergenheim caught Petr Prucha in a headlock and the two decided to drop the gloves shortly after, earning the only fighting majors out of the sequence of events.

Mike Brown and Wayne Simmonds took part in a spirited battle during the beginning of Ducks-Kings in Wednesday’s only other fight.

Videos added

Wayne Simmonds vs Mike Brown Feb 18, 2009
Ryan Suter vs Marian Hossa Feb 18, 2009
B.J. Crombeen vs Derek Dorsett Feb 18, 2009
Sean Bergenheim vs Petr Prucha Feb 18, 2009
Tie Domi vs Stu Grimson Feb 22, 1996
Kirk Muller vs Martin Lapointe Feb 22, 1996

Some reads

Young Blues are rising, despite injuries
Wings beat up Predators
For ex-NHL linesman, it’s the right call to help dying patients
Much-maligned Avery needs to tone it down—but not too much
Flyers’ rookie Powe is one quick skater
Peckham pulling his weight
Pogge takes his lumps
Paille throws his weight around