3 best Bruins bouts of the 2013-2014 season (thus far)
Hockey fights. There are few red button issues in the NHL that strike such a chord as this subject, with some rising to their feet to cheer on the fisticuffs, and others turning their heads in bitter disgust. In my own personal experience, I've encountered individuals who simply laugh at the idea of acceptable
fighting in a professional sport. Individuals who insist physical confrontation on the ice condones unnecessary violence and sets a negative example for it's viewers. These individuals are not hockey fans. These individuals do not understand the importance of fighting in professional hockey, and they do not understand that it is as big of a part of the game as checking an opponent into the boards or burying a puck into the back of the net. With that being said, I eagerly present to you the three best bouts of the 2013-2014 Boston Bruins season (thus far).
3. Milan Lucic vs. Joel Rechlicz (September 23, 2013)
I'm cheating a little bit with this one since it happened during a pre season game, but I feel it can't be ignored. Milian Lucic stepped up to the plate, and in typical Lucic fashion, dished out wild, non stop haymakers. While Rechlicz deserves a stick tap for holding his own and not winding up a bloody mess on the ice, it's clear that Lucic had the upper hand in this battle and did what he does best; win fights.
2. Shawn Thornton vs. Patrick Bordeleau (October 10, 2013)
Shawn Thornton has proved that if you mess with the bull, you get the horns. He's also proved that if you mess with his team mates, you'll suffer the same fate. When Patrick Bordeleau delivered a stiff hit on Dennis Seidenberg, Thornton was there to take care of business. While it wasn't the most brutal or drawn out fight, it earns the number two spot due to Thornton looking past the size difference and bestowing his own justice on the ice.
1. Jarome Iginla vs. Radko Gudas (October 3, 2013)
Coming into the 2013-2014 season, Boston fans were slightly weary of Jarome Iginla. His "short lived" (aka non existent) stint with Boston last season left a bad taste in the mouth of Bruins faithful, and sour grapes prevented some fans from warming up to the idea of him on the team. Even though he wasn't responsible for any goals or assists in his first game on Garden ice, he still gave the fans something to cheer about. Squaring up with Radko Gudas after a giant hit, Iginla showcased his versatility and ability to adequately defend himself, and certainly got the fans on his side.