Dear Answer Man,

I am noticing that after every big hit, a fight ensues. Back in my day, if a guy got caught with his head down, his teammates would yell at him to keep his head up. Now, it is just an invitation to a fight. Are players losing respect for each other?

Joe (St. Louis-MO)

Joe, save your “back in my day” crap. If you don’t like today’s game and what hockey has evolved in to, then go watch baseball. Yes, you do see more fights after a big hit.  The reason you lay someone out like that is to send a message that you rule and they drool. Dig it?

Do you not like to watch fights? If that’s the case then, why not? Is it scary and does it make you cry? Are you originally from Europe and rouhg plays scares you?  Does it make you poop your pants?  

What I really like about today’s game is that you seen anyone fight. Yeah, you have your heavyweights but you have guys like Jay McClement fight. They are sticking up for their teammates, their city and their fans. That right there is hockey. If you still believe, then stand and fight. 

Some may argue that it takes away from the flow of the game. For me, it adds another great aspect to it. It sends a message to the other team that they need to be very careful about how they act. It is great to see the Blues play this way because other teams should hate playing here. Just like how Big Rhonda hates making change for an $18 Bridgeton Special.

This is a cardinal rule in hockey. You run one of my guys to try to take advantage of him? Then get ready to back it up like a man. If you don’t stand up and take your medicine, no one will back you up and you suck.

Check it Answer Nation, I have have a new e-mail addy.  It is AnswerManGt (at) gmail.com.  I did the “at” that way so all you spambots and suck it.