Fighting - The Anaheim Influence
Darren Dreger
9/20/2007 9:44:57 AM
It's the copy-cat syndrome! That's how some NHL executives; including league disciplinarian Colin Campbell, choose to explain the increase in fighting this preseason.
It's the Anaheim influence.
The Ducks won the Stanley Cup by playing a very physical brand of hockey last season and led the league in fighting majors - with 34 percent more than the Phoenix Coyotes, who were second in the league in that category.
Why argue with the success?
Teams tried to toughen up in the early 70's, in part to mimic the Philadelphia Flyers while trying to survive their attack at the same time.
This summer a number of teams acknowledged a need to be tougher to play against. That aggressive style, whether it's a big hit or an inspired run to the net, draws a crowd and in some cases, the gloves come off.
While the number of preseason fighting majors is significantly higher than last year, this year's pace isn't much different than the two years prior to the lockout.
So, while the copy-cat theory is being offered as an explanation for this year's trend, the mere fact players are literally fighting for jobs, as they always have, should also be considered.
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