The NHL has done everything it possibly could to put teams such as the Broad Street Bullies and the Big Bad Bruins of the 1970’s into the rearview mirror. Both teams and the style of play from that time period has often been seen as ugly and goon ridden. But the era definitely put its stamp on the game. Players knew that if they crossed the line at any point during a game there would be retribution. Star players such as Bobby Orr, Stan Mikita, Bobby Clarke, and Bobby Hull were well protected. Although all could easily tend to their own disputes, their teammates often jumped in to keep their best players where they were most deadly: on the ice. It was not uncommon to see full scale brawls erupt in arenas throughout the NHL, especially when that style led to victories. Having a psychological edge was seen as a distinct advantage that carried to not only the players, but to the fans as well. The hard nose atmosphere led to a blue collar fan base in cities such as Philadelphia and Boston. Crowds appreciated the all out effort and applauded the sense of camaraderie that surfaced during the fighting frenzies. In order to curtail the bench clearing brawls that haunted the league, the NHL created the “3rd Man In” rule in 1977,which ejected the first player who joined a fight that was already in progress.
As players’ skill levels continued to develop, the NHL saw fighting change in the 1980’s. In order to compete with teams such as the high flying Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders, rivals employed on its roster a distinct employee classification: the enforcer. Players such as Bob Probert, Dave Brown, Tie Domi, and Dave Semenko used their fists and machoism to deliver peace of mind to the stars on their respective clubs. In doing so, the game was able to omit the all out brawls that plagued its previous generations, but also adopted a new role that protected its code of ethics.
As 1992 came into focus, the NHL was growing tired of the enforcers and the need for their place in the game. To combat the usage and need for these select players, the NHL instituted the instigator rule. This penalty gave the player who started a fight an additional 2 minutes that would force his respective team to be shorthanded. While the rule served its sole purpose to a tee, it has also taken the policing out of players’ hands and has given complete control to referees. On paper, the new policy seemed ideal and its effect would help clean the game of “unnecessary” fights. Unfortunately, the game is played on ice and not in a nice, cozy office. National Hockey League referees have one of the toughest jobs in sports. With the game play as fast and furious as ever, officials cannot be expected to be able to decipher and translate all the action in a matter of seconds. Add to the fact that a player has a variety of ways to inflict a cheap shot on an opponent and the action only take a split second to be enacted.
Since the 1990’s, the ever improving on ice product has attracted new fans to its arenas and has kept the traditionalists sufficiently happy throughout the years by respecting its roots. However, this past weekend’s contest between the Penguins and Islanders illustrates the NHL has more work on its agenda. The last time these two teams met, on February 2nd, two instances upset the New Yorkers. The first occurred when goaltender Rick DiPietro was knocked out by his Pittsburgh counterpart, Brent Johnson by one left hook during their altercation in the 3rd period. Second, the hit that Max Talbot laid on Blake Comeau was viewed as one of those now common head shots, even though a penalty was not called. Many of the Islanders were waiting for Friday night’s tilt, fully hoping to enact revenge. The game did offer many skirmishes which led to a combined 65 penalties that totaled 346 minutes, including 10 ejections. There were 15 fighting majors and 20 misconducts in the game that set records for both teams for most combined penalty minutes and left few players around to finish it. The most troubling incidents were that of Islander, Matt Martin who sucker punched Max Talbot at center ice and when Trevor Gillies elbowed Eric Tangradi into the boards and then proceeded to throw several punches as the Penguin lay on the ice, holding his face. To make matters even worse, Gillies stood by the tunnel to the locker room, yelling at Tangradi, who was still on the ice being checked by the team’s trainer.
The league prides it self as being on the cutting edge and willing to alter its image and stance for the betterment of its future. It is an evolving conglomerate that blows the other major sports out of the water in that aspect. Now they have another major decision looming on the horizon. The recent scenarios go well past the obvious debate of whether fighting and the overall physicality of the game needs to be addressed. They instead prove that players’ safety is now in question and injuries may continue to elevate at alarming rates if nothing is rectified. The NHL is forced to promptly confront this. How can they police the “unwritten” rules that lie in the players’ bible? That code of conduct is what has traditionally kept players safe. These elements are not taken lightly by the players and actually do exist. The lore of the game has mystified fans by projecting the “code” to almost legendary status. The NHL is at a crossroads. It can either go with its fighting pedigree past, or adopt ways creatively to protect its players and the integrity of the game.
As evident its history, the NHL has analyzed itself and adopted ways to improve the safety of players while still making its fans wanting more. The league needs to adopt stricter penalties, longer suspensions, and more stringent fines to correct the problems that have currently surfaced. It must be done now and it must come from the top, the Commissioner’s office. With these rules properly in place, management, officials, and players all will fully understand the repercussions associated with game play actions. By continuing to allow players the ability to enforce themselves, the league keeps its heritage fully intact. With the addition of new sanctions in respect to its recent problems, the NHL once again illustrates its commitment to the well being of its players.
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