Derek Boogaard

This afternoon the New York Rangers were defeated by the Los Angeles Kings by a score of 3-2. However, any major news outlet could tell you that and a million other things about the Rangers. I am going to tell you a story that you probably haven't heard. It is a story that makes you rethink what it means to be a fan.

As I think back over the first 52 games of the season, I can’t help but be amazed at what this team has accomplished.  Perhaps The Who said it best, “The Kids Are Alright.” I truly believe in John Tortorella’s system and think this team can be very good for a sustainable period of time. 

That being said, I worry…a lot. 

Did Ottawa Senators' defenseman Matt Carkner flick blood at the New York Rangers bench during last night's game?

Players on the Rangers bench allege that Carkner did just that as he skated off the ice after his first-period fight with Derek Boogaard.

On July 1st, 2010, the New York Rangers signed Derek Boogaard to a four-year deal, with a cap-hit of $1.65million.

Many Ranger fans did not approve of the deal when it was first announced, but Boogaard has been a strong offseason acquisition thus far for the Rangers.

Boogaard has made the Rangers a tougher team, and has provided entertainment for his new team and their fan base.

It is early in the 2010-2011, but it is time to rank the NHL’s Top 15 Heavyweight fighters so far.

To make this list a player must be a regular to the dance.  I believe a true fighter in hockey isn’t worried about his win/loss record but rather the value he has to his team.  That being said, the best in the game win more than their share.

In years past, George Laraque or Andrew Peters would be the regular contenders.  This year we have a few new faces and a number of the usual suspects.

It's no secret that the National Hockey League has produced some exciting moments over the years. The professional league with the most difficult piece of silverware to acquire—the Stanley Cup.

Sometimes on the road to the championship, one must use intimidation to prevail. 

This is where these warriors of the frozen pond come into play. Broken hands, bloody jerseys and a lot of Kung Fu fighting. We could debate if fighting has its place in the NHL all day, evaluate the pros and cons and consider the nefarious effects this might have on the players involved.

About half an hour ago it was announced that Jody Shelley had signed with the Philadelphia Flyers for three years at $1.1 million per year. Although I wanted him back with the New York Rangers, he was not worth that much money, not for a 34-year-old fighter whose best days are behind him.

With Shelley off the market, the Rangers then went and locked up Derek Boogaard for four years at $1.65 million per season. This is a decent signing by the Rangers, as Boogaard is one of the scariest, and perhaps most feared enforcer in the league.

I’m not sure if there’s already a rumor surrounding this out there somewhere, but regardless, I think Derek Boogaard should be a Montreal Canadien next season.

The guy can barely skate, hasn’t scored in four years, but he is hands down the best fighter/scariest player in the entire NHL.

Montreal were burned by “tough guy” Georges Laraque this past season and had to send him home because he wasn’t doing his job; fighting.

So, last night I was perusing through the fabled Russo’s Rants (seriously, if you’re a Wild fan and you’re not reading Russo’s Rants, what’s wrong with you?) and I came across this tasty nugget of information from the incomparable Mike Russo.

On Sunday afternoon, Derek Boogaard served the first of what is a two-game suspension for a knee-to-knee hit on the Edmonton Oilers Ryan Jones.

There has been much made about the hit so far, with a few members of the media weighing in.