Remember a couple of weeks ago when Tampa and Washington had a bit of a “contentious” game, and I broke several laws in three New England states to make it back in time for the rematch – only to be wildly disappointed?
Well, the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers found themselves in a very similar situation last night – producing wildly varying results. I believe this was, as the kids would say, a “hold my beer” moment. As well as being an encouraging sign that the hockey enforcer still has a begrudging place heading into 2023.
Flyers vs. Islanders vs. New NHL
To recap, things got nasty last Saturday night at the 16:44 mark of the third when current NHL fight leader, Nichols Deslauriers of the Flyers, jumped Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov after what Deslauriers deemed was a dirty hit on Flyers forward Kevin Hayes. Then, as Deslauriers was roughing up Romanov, all the guys on the ice came together to exchange pleasantries as Tony DeAngelo and Oliver Wahlstrom took it upon themselves to get into a spirited bout.
Tony DeAngelo, aside from not being on Brad Marchand’s Christmas card list, is scrappy for his size – and I am of the opinion was the victor in this fight. He threw, and landed, more punches than Wahlstrom, and aside from Wahlstrom’s takedown (I never score points for a takedown) I don’t think he did much to write the head office about.
You’ve Been Hit By…. A Smooth DeAngelo
Then, a funny thing happened. As the refs were sorting through the wreckage, the Flyers broadcast team pointed out it must have been nostalgia night on the Island, and what they had just seen looked very 80’s indeed. I agree, except if it was the 80’s everyone would have squared off for a choreographed Smooth Criminal group dance afterwards. Either way, DeAngelo vs. Wahlstrom on 11/27 set the stage for what happened last night.
Matt Martin vs. Zack MacEwen – The Power of Seventeens
Things got started at the :07 second mark of Tuesday’s first period when the Islanders Matt Martin, and the Flyers Zack MacEwen dropped the buckets right as the game started. I have long been a Matt Martin fan, and this fight is a big reason why. After controlling the donny early with some heavy rights, MacEwen found himself outmatched by the more experienced Martin. Martin came back with some heavy bombs then a few quick right jabs, then a few more heavy rights before Bis Mac decided it was time to hang on and go for the takedown. Mac did a nice job, but this is a win for Martin.
Before they were even done announcing the first fight, Nicolas Deslauriers of the Flyers and Ross Johnston of the Islanders got squared up. After a very long, sizing-each-other-up dance, Deslauriers had had enough and went to work delivering a very hard right. This scrap was very different from the first, in that it was way more tactical and featured more grappling.
I love ESPN announcers John Buccigross, and Kevin Weekes handling the call on this fight. Both men seemed as giddy as I found myself, and enjoyed the scrap while having obvious fun announcing it. I’m going to score it a draw and give Johnston all the credit in the world for standing in there with the NHL’s fighting leader right now.