Fighting and the NHL have gone hand in hand for a long time. It makes sense. It's a fast-paced game where players are regularly smashing into each other in an effort to dislodge one from possession of the puck. On occasion, you see hits coming late, or a player taking some liberties out there that draw the ire of fans and a glare from a would-be enforcer, looking to make his mark on the game.
Yet, what is the purpose? There are plenty of fans who watch NASCAR strictly for the crashes, and there plenty of NHL fans who watch the game strictly for the big hits and dropped gloves.