Would you like to see more or less fighting in the NHL?

Question

I personally think that is part of the NHL's T.V rating issue in America. The NHL is to conservative, and needs some drama (Hence Buffalo-Ottawa brawl).Let's face it, that is what sells in America

Answer 1

By far in the Pre-Bettman NHL there was more fighting, and that's what the NHL needs, is for the Enforcers to be able to do their jobs of protecting their teammates. I mean if there was more fighting, there wouldn't be as many incidents such as the Bertuzzi-Moore Incident of the McSorley-Brashear Incident. So my answer is Hell Yes to more fisticuffs! That helps add to the entertainment value of Hockey.

Answer 2

OK everyone, get those thumbs down ready, let's see how many I can get.

(Oh and by the way, I've been a hockey fan since before most of you were even born, so save it with the "Obviously you don't know Hockey" speech)

If you like fighting, why not watch boxing? I'm just not getting this. Hockey needs more HOCKEY.

Crosby scores a beautiful Goal, Brodeur makes 10 point-blank saves, and what do you think will be on the 11 O'clock News??? The FIGHT.

And fans will continue to stay away from the game because that's what they think the game is all about.

And if you think there should be more, what exactly would you Bettman-haters do??? Have the league adopt a rule REQUIRING 3 or more fights per game?

I'll let you in on a little secret: enforcers are becoming less and less important not because of rule changes but because teams are learning that if you want to make the playoffs you need 20 people who can play HOCKEY.

OK, you may now hit the thumbs-down.

Answer 3

When I was a kid growing up in Michigan I collected the Red Wings glasses that you got with a meal at McDonalds. My favorite was one with Probert and Kocur just labele "The Bruise Brothers"

As a kid I watched for the excitement of the hitting and fighting. The intensity is what drew me in. I didn't start playing the game until I was 27! I appreciate the skill of the game now more than I used to but let's be honest. We all like the fighting.

Answer 4

At least one fight a game would be nice, gets the fans on their feet and people watching at home excited. Not mismatches, or just wrestling though, a real fight with willing participants.

Im a Canucks fan and I only remember 4 things, Bure's awesome goals, the stanley cup run, and than, Gino Odjick and Donald Brashear being canuck tough guys that would fight for a dollar! And this is as a 10-16 yr old. So don't say young kids shouldn't see fighting!

Answer 5

Well it would help if the guys could more than tap eachother. Seems like lately a cross look will garner a penalty.

I think the fighting is a product of the intensity of the rest of the game. Right now its a bit lacking.

Answer 6

I don't think the NHL should use it to sell tickets, but it certainly shouldn't be discouraged either. Without fighting in the game guys could take a run at any player anytime with no real reprecussions. BRING BACK JAY MILLER!!!!

Answer 7

hell ya...i mean who doesnt like to watch a good fight. but then again if it became more a part of the game then maybe it would not b such a special thing? for example that sens vs sabres brawl...if that happened all the time then ppl wouldnt have talked about it so much. other than the fact that emery (former boxer) got his as$ beat by peters hahahaha :) but i am all for more fighting beacuse its so awesome to watch adn it gets the team pumped up

Answer 8

I think fighting is needed because it seems now with the new rules you have certain players who will run other players knowing that the rules against fighting usually prevent someone else from pounding their face in. In the old days those scores were settled, and players knew that.

Answer 9

When I first started watching hockey, the Pens had a guy named Paul Baxter. He was good for one fight a game. Maybe two or three in games against Chris Nilan. He knew how to get the crowd pumped up, get the team going, and when to fight, so yes, if it serves a purpose, bring on the fights.

Answer 10

More fighting, it raises the intensity of the game. Its not like people really get hurt in the fights. All the injuries come from bad hits and blocking shot. I honestly cant see any legitiment reason for their not to be fighting.