Don't see fighting heading out the door anytime soon.  Just look at B's coverage on NESN.  There's practically a "tale of the tape" for every fight and slow motion breakdowns and replays ad nauseum over every punch, underscored by Edwards and Brickley's enthusiasm.  The NHL either doesn't realize (doubtful) or care (more likely) that the fights just slow down what is the fastest game. Plus, the refs clearly let the players "go" as long as they want before breaking things up -- no doubt a mandate by the NHL hierarchy.  There is little to no fisticuffs in the playoffs and the hockey is never better or more exciting.  Also, invoking the "self policing" angle is a load of BS.  There's zero evidence that there is currently fewer cheap shots or there would be more mischief should fighting be outlawed.    

Thanks for continuing to write against fighting.  I have been against it for more than 30 years.  Today, it's hypocritical for the NHL to suspend players for hits to the head (see Aaron Rome/Nathan Horton) -- a rule that is in place to prevent concussions -- while at the same time allowing an activity -- fighting -- that is designed to inflict a concussion. Fighting appeals to the lowest common denominator and takes away from the breathtaking skills of the skaters.  The only thing I don't like about the Bruins' broadcasts is the fight hype of Jack and Andy.  I don't watch boxing and don't want it as part of the game.  To those who say," It's always been part of the game, always will," I say, look abroad. It's not legal in the European leagues. Sports need to change with the times, for instance the elimination of the two-line offside.  Purists wanted to keep that, too, but look at the game now without it, much more exciting.  Regarding eyewear, I think it's patently stupid for an NHL player to not wear a visor, and it would be the first thing I would mention if I had a chance to talk with the Bruins players who don't wear one.

One Major change I would like implemented by the NHL is games played only within the Conference(s).This year I like the match-ups on TV. NY Rangers vs Islanders or Devils, or Philly, etc.... Bruins vs Candiens, Toronto, Philly, Rangers, etc.....but are fans to watch next season, Bruins vs Edmonton, Rangers vs Calgary, Philly vs Phoenix?.. What games do you think the fans want to view.???

"It (hockey) is a sport of monkeys armed with machine guns."  Are you kidding?  Is that the best you can do? How insulting to all the fans, players, coaches and staff that love this game

Give me a break...hockey at it's best is a combination of speed and physical play that, yes, includes fighting.  Is, and always has been, a great deterrant and holds people (i.e. Rinaldo) accountable for taking runs at our players.  Mr Flip flopper (dupont) has been on this mission to preach about how bad fighting is for the game but was a supporter of it for many years before, how could you just now come to this inconceived notion that fighting is all of a sudden bad for the sport? Players always support it, the polls show the fans love it, go watch the ice capades if all you want is the breathtaking skill and grace of the skating.