Seven on Saturday

Saturday’s slate of games produced a total of seven fights. Two of those contests had multiple fights. In St. Louis, Arron Asham and Cam Janssen took center stage with their back and forth bout. Flyers captain Mike Richards also tried to spark his team against Dan Hinote in a losing cause. In Sabres–Coyotes, Daniel Carcillo found a surprising opponent in Patrick Kaleta while Steve Goertzen faired well in his scrap against Nathan Paetsch.

Luke Schenn dancing with Tyler Kennedy was the lone other bout in the evening. Saturday afternoon saw Steve Montador take on Cody McLeod in Ducks-Avs and Max Pacioretty get into his first NHL fight with fellow rookie Wayne Simmonds in Habs–Kings.

Notable names highlight Friday’s action

Some well-known players were eager to shed the mitts on Friday night. Derek Boogaard dropped the gloves with Steve MacIntyre in a much-anticipated showdown between two giants, but the bout was relatively uneventful. Popular rookie Cal Clutterbuck took on veteran Steve Staios in the other dance in Wild–Oilers. The same occurred in Friday’s other heavyweight bout in which Riley Cote and David Koci were content to stay in tight during the course of their scrap in Flyers–Bolts. Braydon Coburn challenging Ryan Malone was the other fight from that game.

After taking a big hit at center ice, Todd Bertuzzi sought revenge against Jordin Tootoo, but the two quickly lost their balance and fell during the second period of Preds–Flames. A line brawl nearly erupted in Sens–Jackets, but Jarkko Ruutu and R.J. Umberger were the only ones to receive majors.

Videos added

Arron Asham vs Cam Janssen Jan 31, 2009
Mike Richards vs Dan Hinote Jan 31, 2009
Nathan Paetsch vs Steve Goertzen Jan 31, 2009
Patrick Kaleta vs Daniel Carcillo Jan 31, 2009
Tyler Kennedy vs Luke Schenn Jan 31, 2009
Steve Montador vs Cody McLeod Jan 31, 2009
Wayne Simmonds vs Max Pacioretty Jan 31, 2009

Some reads

Milan Lucic hits on winner
Forsberg decision not to return no surprise to Holmgren
Wings lack of intensity stifles play
Hits keep on comin’
Shaw an unlikely looking tough guy
Commodore Super in Columbus
Quality on and off the ice, that’s Dougie
Addressing Non-Calls for Head Hits