Bolts, Isles Keep Busy

It hasn’t been a very active weekend in terms of fighting.  Out of six fights, the Lightning were involved in three, and two of those were against the Islanders, another team that’s dropped the gloves with ease recently.

The two teams sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference didn’t shy away from the fact that there was going to be some rough stuff in last night’s game, either.  Tampa recalled Zenon Konopka while the Isles added Mitch Fritz to the lineup.

The towering Fritz took on David Koci, who stands at 6’6” and probably wasn’t used to having a real size disadvantage.  Konopka dropped the gloves with Joel Rechlicz, who’s continuing his extremely active entry into the NHL.

There was one other fight last night, a Western Canadian battle between Rick Rypien and Zack Stortini.  The smaller Rypien did well against the NHL fighitng majors leader, and with two fights in three games since returning to action, he’s reminding everyone why he’s such a fan favorite when he’s out on the ice.

Some roughing calls made the news yesterday as well:
Avery’s latest really hits home
Leafs defenceman Harrison trades punches with Canadiens tough guy Laraque

Videos added

Rick Rypien vs Zack Stortini Apr 4, 2009
Zenon Konopka vs Joel Rechlicz Apr 4, 2009
David Koci vs Mitch Fritz Apr 4, 2009
Jamal Mayers vs Andrew Alberts Apr 3, 2009
Luke Schenn vs Scott Hartnell Apr 3, 2009
Ryan Craig vs David Clarkson Apr 3, 2009

Some reads

FanHouse Chats With NHL Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom
Textgate causes untimely storm
Lappy’s dedication pays off
Panthers try to stay positive, but time for a playoff push is running out.
Primeau wills his brain to science