Hockey does not have true enforcers any more because if they can’t skate or play, they become a liability on the ice – especially in the salary cap era of the NHL.
I have written this before that Paul Bissonnette should play in every game. The last time I opined such a thing was back in December when the debacle took place.
However, from what I saw from section 106 last night, Bissonnette made the case that he can be a skating enforcer and should be counted on in important situations.
When the officials started letting things go and we started having Coyotes players drop like flies, Bissonnette was placed on a line along side Shane Doan and Kyle Turris. Bissonnette took the place of Scottie Upshall as he left the ice after blocking a wicked slap shot.
What took place turned the momentum over with about five minutes left to play in the first period.
Bissonnette and Doan turned in a wrecking crew hitting just about anything that skated into their domain, and in turn, creating some scoring opportunities. Bissonnette had nine hits in that game with a shot on goal.
Plus, no one on the Peasants side wanted to engage him in the slightest. Because after the Pony hit Sami Lepisto:
And Lucy Brown hit Michal Rozsival:
(Um…yeah…boarding anyone? Bias for sure )
Bissonnette answered the call another way and essentially took the Kings out of their physical game for the next 30 minutes or so and just woke up the Coyotes team.
I also love how Pony looked around like he expected some sort of penalty for that hit from Bissonnette. Dude – it was clean, get up and play.
When #12 is on the ice there is an insurance policy, that if any player takes liberties with his hockey club, there will be a reckoning. The best part is that he did it a different way – he didn’t have to fight anyone. He just got to play hockey.
Hopefully, the coaching staff took notice and will start playing him more.
Original Story:
http://onefansperspective.com/2011/01...
