Calgary Flames forward Brandon Bollig squared off with Los Angeles Kings left winger Milan Lucic early in the second period of their New Years’ Eve game.
The encounter with the big Los Angeles Kings forward wasn’t the first time Bollig has dropped the gloves for the Calgary Flames this season.
As fights in the NHL go, this was little more than a tussle, with very few punches hitting their mark and rather muted aggression shown by both guys.
The fight with Lucic came on the back of the Kings’ third unanswered goal in the game and seemed to spark the Calgary Flames to life somewhat, having conceded two in the opening three minutes of the second period.
Prior to the game, he had 51 penalty minutes from 19 games played; double that of Dennis Wideman, who sits second for the Calgary Flames on penalty minutes with just 26.
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He has been utilized in a role that reflects this heavy-hitting, aggressive game – often partnered on his line by players that are suited to a checking game more so than a skill game.
This isn’t a new way of using Bollig for the Calgary Flames, though his minutes in the box are significantly up on previous years when you look at his limited number of games played.
All in all this season hasn’t been one about unnecessary aggression for the Calgary Flames; they were sitting seventh lowest in terms of penalty minutes versus games played pre-game; with an average of 8:08 each game.
Compare that to the Columbus Blue Jackets at 13:29 or Boston Bruins at 13:21 and it shows that this ins’t a part of the game embraced by the Calgary Flames that often.
If it proves the spark that can turn the game around for the Calgary Flames, it’s a five minute penalty well worth it for Bollig. If not, he’s not exactly going home with missing teeth. Win, win.
Next: Flames Home Streak Shut Down By Ducks
What did you think of Bollig’s scrap with Lucic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Stats courtesy of NHL.com.