Who Will Lead Bruins in Fighting Majors This Season?

Fighting in hockey is simple. In the immortal words of Russ Tyler’s big brother in D2: The Mighty Ducks: “Stick, gloves, shirt.”

Fighting has been part of hockey for a long time and will presumably continue to be. It is an event that is totally illegal on the street, but in many cases, it is invited on the ice.

Hockey players use fighting as a way to police their game, inspire the crowd and pick up and defend their teammates when they feel the need. It’s a barbaric way to settle the score, and many fans, especially in Boston, love to see it.

For that reason, B’s fans may be in luck this year. Boston fans already have been treated to a couple of rounds of fisticuffs. Center Gregory Campbell introduced himself to the Hub early on — in the first game of the season, when he decided to drop the gloves and try to inspire his squad. All the Bruins have done since then is play lights-out hockey in the midst of a three-game win streak.

Campbell involved himself in another donnybrook early on Tuesday night in the opener of a home-and-home series with the Capitals. Three minutes into the game, Campbell dropped the gloves and went at it with Matt Hendricks. The bout was a rematch from a preseason game that occurred just seconds after the opening face-off.

Milan Lucic also scrapped on Tuesday night on his way to a Gordie Howe hat trick.

You have to think that more fights are to come this year. Campbell has proven that he’s not afraid to fight at the drop of a hat. A healthy Lucic likely will equal a mean Lucic. In addition to those two, the Bruins have a couple of guys who make much of their living with their fists.

Brian McGrattan is now in the Bruins organization. In 2004-05, he set an AHL record with 551 penalty minutes (53 minors, 41 majors, 18 misconducts, six game misconducts) in only 71 games. It’s unclear how much action he’ll see with the B’s, but when he’s out there, he’ll be sure to mix it up.

Then, of course, there is resident tough guy Shawn Thornton. The Bruin enforcer for the last few years, Thornton has been featured in most of the recent memorable bouts. He was there to serve up some payback to Matt Cooke for his hit on Marc Savard, and Thornton also was willing to drop his gloves in the cold of winter on a frozen Fenway Park in the Winter Classic.

The B’s have some fighters. Who will be doing the most fighting this season?

Tuesday, Oct. 19: Is having two No. 1 goalies really a good thing for Bruins?

Who will lead the Bruins in fighting majors this season?online surveys