Pest Patrol

For five minutes during Sunday’s Rangers-Leafs game, the ice was quieter than normal.  Someone might have even skated with their head down for a few seconds.

You see, Darcy Tucker fought Sean Avery.  Two of the highest profile agitators in the league took each other off the ice.

To the other 28 NHL teams’ dismay, both skated to the penalty box just fine.  I’m sure a movie-style “double knockout” was the wish of majority.

During the fight Tucker’s helmet fell in front of his face giving him just a little added protection.  Cut a hole in the middle of it and there’s just something very Hannibal Lecter about it.

Avery picked up the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.  He actually had two goals and an assist as the Rangers went on to beat the Leafs 7-2.

Zack Stortini and Martin Lapointe also had a decent scrap mid-way through the first period of the Oilers–Hawks game.

Last night’s fights:

Zack Stortini vs Martin Lapointe Apr 1, 2007
Darcy Tucker vs Sean Avery Apr 1, 2007

Some reads:

No cause to sanction Domi for alleged row, official says
Avery, NY beat down Toronto
Angling for a Fight on and Off the Ice – Don Cherry article in the NY Times