Thoughts on the Gaborik/Carcillo fight

Fighters don't fight another team's star player, unless that star player blatantly instigates the fight. That's the Code personified. Daniel Carcillo, one of Philadelphia's resident tough guys, did a dandy job of breaking that rule last night after a pummeling of Rangers star forward Marian Gaborik that proved, among other things, how much of a complete goon Carcillo is.

The "fight" occurred at the beginning of the second period during a scrum in front of the net. Players were jostling around, as happens, and Carcillo and Gaborik somehow got tied up together. Carcillo was giving Gaborik the customary facewash, and Gaborik (to his credit) wasn't backing down until the beat-down began, when Carcillo's gloves flew off and he proceeded to absolutely destroy Gaborik with a flurry of punches. Both got five minutes for fighting, although it was perhaps the most one-sided fight I've ever seen.

Some thoughts on the "bout."

• Carcillo claims Gaborik dropped the gloves first. Indeed, looking at the replay, it's apparent Gaborik's right glove came off before Carcillo's, something that could easily have been accidental, as even after it came off he still didn't throw a punch. BUT, even if Gaborik did get the glove off first, Carcillo had no business fighting him. It was an easy victory, and a show of cowardice and poor sportsmanship. If he wants to fight, he should have taken on a tough guy instead of the other team's star, who by the way has the fighting acumen of the French.

• I can't believe I'm actually applauding Sean Avery, but good on him for sticking up for Gaborik later in the game. Not only did he fight Scott Hartnell, but just a few minutes later got his hands on Carcillo and held him accountable for his beatdown on Gaborik. This is what good teammates do for each other. I normally would consider Sean Avery the worst teammate in the NHL, but he did well this time.

• This leads me to my final point, one which hockey analyst (and former tough guy) Matthew Barnaby also made on espn.com after the game: Rangers defenseman Daniel Girardi stood idly by, not six feet from the fight, and watched the whole thing go down without lifting a finger. I don't care who you are or what the circumstances of the game are, if your star player is getting the crap beat out of him by another team's tough guy, you better jump in and defend your teammate. Third man in penalty? Totally worth it. What would have happened had Gaborik been seriously injured in the fight? It showed poor judgment on Girardi's part, and I wouldn't be surprised if he takes heat for it from his teammates, coaches, and other players. You stand up for your guys, especially those who aren't as able to defend themselves against goons like Carcillo.

In the end, however, this shouldn't be blown too out of proportion. Gaborik's a big boy and can handle himself. Life will go on. I will say this: I can't wait for the next Flyers/Rangers tilt.