Crosby vs Ovechkin (or Fighting in Hockey: yes or no?)

It was delightful to finally see the NHL's two most marketable super stars take pot shots at each other this weekend following the matinee game between their respective clubs on Sunday. Undoubtedly, the powers that be in professional hockey have been waiting for these two to have at each other since their rookie campaigns. Finally, one can say that there is indeed a rivalry brewing between the Penguins and the Capitols. It all started with rumors that Evegeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin held disdain for each-other despite being countrymen. With Malkin and Ovechkin having kissed and made up at the all star skills challenge, it looks like the Penguins captain Crosby is finally ready to make his opinions about Ovechkin's celebration antics heard by all. Concurrently, Ovechkin is no longer apprehensive to call out Crosby on his incessant whining. To quote Ovy; "He is a good player, but he talks too much!"

And so, like all hard core hockey enthusiasts, the next date circled on my callendar is March 8th. It is on March 8th that these two clubs will meet for the last time in the regular season. By then, Pittsburgh will either be fighting for the last eastern conference playoff spot, or they will be trying to better their position in playoff seeding. That is to say, if they don't tank and lay eggs in all their games before that date and ultimately end up taking the edge right off the game. The Caps however are proving themselves to be one of the top dogs in their conference, and the entire league. Thus, when Ovy and Sid the Kid meet again one can only hope that sparks will fly.

I for one would love to see then drop the gloves and throw down! We all have seen Crosby complete his magic-like backhand saucer pass, and we all have seen Ovechkin score from laying on his back (twice!). We all know that these two have offensive prowess. However, both seem to have a rough edge to them as well. Ovechkin was amongst the leagues top ten hitters last season, and will be again this year. Crosby, for all the flack he takes about his whining, does have a dark side and does pick up for himself, and has dropped the gloves before. Therefore, to see these two young superstars, both of whom have extraordinary talent, throw-down in a visceral exchange of of fisticuffs would certainly be a highlight of the hockey season.

Class; Hope you enjoyed my post! Now it is your turn to respond. Recently the debate over fighting in hockey has heated up. Many personalities who have a long history with our game have said that perhaps it is time to take out the rough stuff. What is your opinion of this issue? Please respond on your own blogs.