Class Match-Ups & Patrick Kane’s Video Game Pass

It's been a slow few days in the NHL, but outside of last night, which didn't feature many fights despite a decent schedule, the number of games have been light as well. The NHL has a very wax on, wax off schedule so far.

The fights we have seen have been evenly matched. Last night pests Steve Downie and Patrick Kaleta threw down. The fight looked like it was going to be all Kaleta, until Downie was able to get Kaleta's helmet+visor off, and then took over. Downie was not happy about Kaleta keeping his shield on. There was no replay to see how the fight started.

There was one other fight last night, Sheldon Brookbank taking on similarly-sized Jamal Mayers. It was a short fight, with a few punches and grappling in the corner.

Perhaps the opposite of that scrap was Monday night's bout between middleweights Brandon Prust and Tanner Glass. The two went the distance, trading punches back and forth until tiring out after almost a full minute. This was the third time they've fought in the NHL. The previous two times Glass was with Vancouver and Prust with Calgary. As they're both in the “East” now, they may meet again a few times this season.

Speaking of visors

James Mirtle has a story in the Globe and Mail about Brian Burke and Paul Holmgren calling for mandatory visors. They each have a personal story, a turning point when they changed their mind about the topic.

I've personally never cared much. I know it comes into play with fighting, but if a player wants to wear one, it should be his call. I don't think the league or player's association will need to legislate it: insurance underwriters will.