I don't even need a fighter on the team, they just need a few assholes
I think as the years go by it seems younger players view the physical part of hockey as “uncomfortable”. It’s something they’ll do if they absolutely have to but they’d rather score goals, stick check, and use just enough body contact to dislodge the puck if they must. I think of Pasta having that fight and saying that players have to be ready to get u uncomfortable in the playoffs.
Then there are other players, like your Tkachuks and Bennetts that embrace the physical game. They are 100% comfortable in a game that gets chippy. They love swimming in those waters.
I agree that we need more players that don’t view the physical aspect of the game as “uncomfortable”.
You just grab him like Kassian did and start hammering him ,only break a few teethe this time.They been going steady to the penalty box anyways to add insult to injury.
That’s just very unrealistic. That’s how a player gets a very long term suspension that hurts their wallet.
Thornton was one of the last guys I remember for the bruins going and grabbing someone who didn’t want to fight to try to force them.
We know how that worked out