Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
I don't agree with most of the sentiment that "You shouldn't have to fight if the hit was clean" argument. My take is that if a player delivers a BIG hit on another player, even if it is 100% within the rules, then it is simply more than just trying to separate the player from the puck - it is an attempt to injure. I have never had a problem with any player that chose to stick up for himself or another team mate. In fact, I HATE it when Calgary didn't have much of a response throughout the years and felt that this team is too soft and gets taken advantage of too much.
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I dont think thats accurate at all.
You dont need to want to injure someone, just intimidate. Even just a little.
One of the ineffable hockey platitudes is 'finish your checks.'
The reason for that is to make your opponents wary of being hit and rush their decisions to try and force them into current or future errors such as an ill-timed and advantageous turnover, an inopportune hesitation or, as in this case, coerce them into doing something stupid that gains your team an advantage.
Legally inciting an opponent into doing something illegal to gain an advantage with the goal of winning the game is well within the rules and spirit of the game and doesnt really need to be defended, which is an action which would negate the initial advantage being sought.