Fighting in the NHL is slowly becoming more and more controversial over time. With increased awareness about repeated head injuries and a greater emphasis on player safety in today's league, the practice is far less common than it used to be. However, every once in awhile we still get an instant classic tilt. Tonight, hockey fans witnessed one such fight.
Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais and Panthers forward Jonah Gadjovich gave fans of hockey fights quite the show tonight early into the second period of their game in Sunrise Florida. The play just before the fight seemed to be just a regular net front scrum, but Desharnais was looking for any excuse to take a dance partner apparently.
The fight lasted for nearly 40 seconds, which may not seem like a lot of time, but for a hockey fight, it is. It was arguably the best fight of the season so far as both players got punches in and neither lost their balance. Fans behind the glass in the nearside corner got an exceptionally good view as mist of the altercation took place along the boards.
The Panthers are currently holding onto a slim 4-3 lead half way though the 3rd period. This game is exceptionally important for both teams in different ways. The Oilers are looking to save their season and crawl back into the playoff hunt while the Panthers are looking to prove they are real contenders as they reportedly pursue Patrick Kane.
