Fighting hasn't been legislated out of the NHL just yet, but it's becoming a much less integral part of the game of hockey.
For all the physical play during the 2014 playoffs, HockeyFights.com reports that there was just one fight after the first round this year—when Derek Dorsett of the New York Rangers tangled with Brandon Prust of the Montreal Canadiens on May 22. The regular season also saw a drop-off from previous years: In 2013-14, a relatively low 29.76 percent of games included at least one fight.
Without the majors and misconducts that come with the fights, players' penalty totals are dropping all across the league. The Vancouver Canucks' Tom Sestito led the NHL with 213 penalty minutes in 2013-14—less than half of the 472 minutes recorded by all-time single-season record holder Dave "The Hammer" Schultz back in 1974-75.
Just three years ago, Zenon Konopka eclipsed the rest of the league with 307 penalty minutes as part of the New York Islanders. But with less fighting all-round, penalty minute totals will likely continue their decline next season.
Once again, just three players are projected to eclipse 200 ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Carol Schram
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