Bruins Trent Frederic Seriously Injured Jets Player After One Punching Him
The Boston Bruins would lose to the Winnipeg Jets 8-1, but early in the 3rd period Trent Frederic would demolish forward David Gustafsson.
The fight occurred at 12:33 in the 3rd period and would see David Gustafsson dropped by Frederic's right cross.
Gustafsson would fall to the ice, and be placed on concussion protocol soon after.
The fight saw Frederic, a 26-year old, who weighed 24 more pounds than Gustafsson take on whom pundits like THW's Ken Campbell considered a "non-combatant".
Unlike Frederic, the Jets forward hadn't been much of a fighter in the NHL, and would inevitably fall to "fight night Freddy" who has 38 fights during his career in the league.
Going into that fight, Frederic had 38 career fights, Gustafsson zero. Frederic also has an inch and 24 pounds on Gustafsson.
While we consider the point, that Ken Campbell makes below Gustafsson did oblige Freddy instead of turning away.
It's unfortunate for the Jets forward that he was never prepared for the moment, which undoubtedly happened way too fast.
While the code is something many still reference regarding play in the NHL nowadays, everything is in flux lately.
As the enforcer's role continues to erode by mandate, and by GMs deciding to roll 4 full lines of production nightly, is Gustafsson a victim of circumstance?
Arguably, yes.
The Winnipeg Jets' play has been hot as of late and were one of the league's best teams early.
They may have come down to earth recently, but for a team who plays a game on grit and skill, like the Bruins do there wasn't going to be a way for the Jets to escape an attempt by the Bruins to change the momentum in the game.
We hope that David Gustafsson escapes concussion protocol, without complications and with his health intact.
But avoiding fights like these will be once again up to the pencil pushers in Toronto and New York, with Gary Bettman and the Board of Governors.
Considering how much they've already neutered enforcers, it's amazing that fighting is still happening.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 12 | 269 ANSWERS Bruins Trent Frederic Seriously Injured Jets Player After One Punching Him Do you think forward David Gustafsson of the Winnipeg Jets should have turned away from the fight with forward Trent Frederic of the Boston Bruins? | ||
| Yes | 198 | 73.6 % |
| No | 71 | 26.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
