In the last couple of weeks, there’s been two NHL games that featured multiple fights.
On March 30th the Bruins and Blue Jackets got into 3. And on the 5th of April, Tampa and the New York Rangers had a spirited game featuring 5. Of those 5, Corey Perry was involved in 2, and took a sound beating in the second.
I just happened to be in the World’s Most Famous Arena that night, due to a convenient business trip, and also had my whole life flash before my eyes after bumping into former NHL tough guy, and Goonblog favorite, Colton Orr. Let’s look at the fights first, then I will get to Colton.
Back to the Banning Banter
There was an article I saw about the banning of fighting in the Q next year. Unsurprisingly, a guy that was paralyzed in a QMJHL fight a few years ago, Dean Bergeron, was in support of the ban. While former NHL tough guys (and Q alums) Georges Laraque and Riley Cote were against it.
Laraque took the stance that it was his only way to get to The Show, and therefore had no regrets. Cote argued that if these kids don’t learn to protect themselves now, what happens when they get to the National and all bets are off? I’ve made similar arguments in the past, and agree with the two tough guys here.
Why I’m bringing this up now is that the Bruins got into three fights (with a bottom feeder team) in which they were either defending themselves or sticking up for a teammate.
George and Sweezey
Lakub Lauko of the Bruins has been trying to stick in the NHL this season. He had a spirited fight with CBJ’s Billy Sweezey – and Billy’s dad was in the Garden for the game, dressed in full Columbus gear and pounding a beer after the scrap.
I didn’t even need to mention Sweezey was from Massachusetts, did I? If your name is Billy, and you’re in the NHL – you’re also from Massachusetts. Every time.
Lauko did very well in the fight, and Bruins Coach, Jim Montgomery, said that Lauko has earned ice time all year, and that the scrap was another important part of proving himself.
The Dream Warrior
The second fight was Trent “Nightmare on Causeway St.” Frederic sticking up for Bruins Captain, Patrice Bergeron. Lane Pederson cross checked Bergeron in the face and only got a 2-minute penalty. Once he served his time, Freddy gave him a “how do you do” on the old shin pad during a faceoff. Both guys dropped their gloves – because that’s how it’s done in the NHL. Frederic proceeds to one-punch Lane Pederson (who was dreaming to begin with), and that was the end of it. You cross check the Captain, kid? Now we gotta go. Justice is served.
Let’s Go Brandon
The last fight of the night featured Boone Jenner of the Jackets and Boston’s Brandon Carlo. Personally, I would like Carlo to be way meaner, and fight more in general – but I get that he’s not really THAT player and might be worried about head injuries. Jenner pushed him a couple of times before Carlo got to the end of his rope – and away they went. I think Jenner won the fight but was still glad to see Carlo stick up for himself.
All three fights were examples of why fighting should always be a part of hockey. The first one was two guys that had a disagreement. The second was a guy supporting a teammate and ensuring everyone knows where the line is, and the third is a classic example of a guy sticking up for himself. If these tools aren’t used in Junior, there’s a lot of guys that are going to be in for a rude awakening later in their careers. And that shouldn’t have to happen.
The City That Never Sleeps
On to my time on the ground in New York. First off, I hadn’t been to Madison Square Garden since a Grateful Dead show in the 90’s. Good gravy, that place is FREEZING. Like, the coldest rink ever. I was there for a work event in section 223. Great seats. I really enjoyed the arena, sightlines, and all that – but next time: Don’t be such a bigshot, dummy. Take a jacket.
Going into the game I was thinking it could go one of two ways. It was either going to end up as a humdrum “don’t get anyone hurt on either side” affair, since both teams are already in the playoffs. In fact, the Lightning can’t improve their position, but the Rangers could. Or, since there is some bad blood between the two teams, it could end up as a a playoff snarly.
It ended up as the latter. In fact, the guy next to me leaned over at one point and said, “I thought this was going to be super boring, but this is the best game I’ve seen all year!”
For me, having no dog in the fight whatsoever, I agree. The game was fight-filled, and the Rangers won 6-3. It was very entertaining, and the fights were all decent, except for Corey Perry’s second scrap. That wasn’t a good result for him. Not at all. Another reason why the NHL needs fighting.
And have I mentioned? Former Ranger, Colton Orr, was in the building to award the “Season Ticket Holder of the Game” prize before the tilt got underway.
Feels Like the First Time. For Me.
I have always been a huge Orr fan, and this was not our first encounter. Long ago, I met him at a Boston bar in North Station after a Bruins game. In the interest of full transparency, I also had an estimated 318 beers on board. If memory serves, it’s likely I spent the night on The Ref’s couch in the nearby North End that night. So, yeah. That drunk.
Orr had just been called up, having arrived at the bar to meet some of the boys to celebrate after the game. Now, to say I was excited to meet him – and talk hockey fights – is an understatement. Turned out, I think he was surprised I knew who he was. He was also surprised I was still upright.
Because I was steaming drunk. Like Jim Lahey, I had become the liquor.
Colton was super nice. Humored me for a good 20 minutes as I slurred out inquiries about his call up, who he had fought that year in the AHL, who he was planning to fight in the NHL, and so on, and on, and on.
One of his buddies showed up, so we shook hands and parted ways. It was not a “sweet sorrow” situation. Because, frankly, I wanted to hug him and never let him go. Goonblog loves us some Colton.
Reunited, and it Feels So Good. For Me.
Flash forward to April 5th. If you’ve never been to MSG, let me just say this, again: It’s friggin’ freezing in there, and the concourse is unreasonably tight and narrow. I was moving through foot traffic to get to the beer stand on behalf of my colleagues (my shout). Focused on the mission, with nothing but good intentions and the tactical awareness of Rob O’Neill.
I dodged around a cement pole, and walked straight into, you guessed it (because it’s in the title of the post) Colton Orr.
Like, truly “straight into”. As opposed to figuratively.
Mr. Orr looked to be in game shape, was unimpressed, and for a moment thoughts of my mortality flashed front and center.
There was a quick “I’m going to murder you” look in his piercing blue eyes. I tried to say “Ooops, bud, my bad”. But was so nervous all I got out was, “Ooops. Me. Bad.” At least now Colton can say he’s met Fat Tarzan.
To his credit, that glare quickly turned into a smile. He politely said something like “no problem”, possibly because he thought he may be addressing someone on the spectrum, and walked on.
Regardless, I am glad to have now met Colton Orr twice, and appreciate that both times he’s taken way more pity on me than anyone deserved.
Classic!!!