Ducks Continue to Fight On

Even in the absence of Brian Burke, the man who molded the Ducks into a rough and tumble bunch that became beloved by many fight fans (at least on this site), the team is still content to drop the gloves whenever possible.

Thursday night featured Anaheim in a three-fight game against the Canucks. The effort boosted their total fighting majors earned this season to 82. They are now an even ten ahead of the Flyers and with four games left, look to have the league-lead in FM’s nearly wrapped up. It would be the second time in the past three years that the Ducks have grabbed the top spot.

Even more important is the fact that they are making yet another March towards the playoffs, a sign that the old-school way of doing things can still lead to a successful season. Need more proof? Nine out of the top ten teams in terms of FM’s are currently in the playoff hunt and eight of them would continue playing if the season ended today.

As for the game itself, things started in the first period when the heavyweights went at it as George Parros and Darcy Hordichuk met for the third time this season in a relatively even bout. Later on Sheldon Brookbank and Rick Rypien had a toe-to-toe scrap. In the third, Shane O’Brien had an easy time with a former teammate in Mike Brown. It was arguably the conservative Brown’s most exciting fight this year.

Elsewhere, Georges Laraque took on active newcomer Joel Rechlicz in the middle of Habs–Isles. It was the champ that came away with a win over the rookie. Glen Metropolit got into his first fight as a Canadien when he exchanged blows with Doug Weight in the game’s other bout.

Videos added

Mike Brown vs Shane O’Brien Apr 2, 2009
Sheldon Brookbank vs Rick Rypien Apr 2, 2009
George Parros vs Darcy Hordichuk Apr 2, 2009
Glen Metropolit vs Doug Weight Apr 2, 2009
Georges Laraque vs Joel Rechlicz Apr 2, 2009

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TCC#76 – Feeling better about ourselves

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