"The talk of the New York Islanders needing an enforcer is growing tiresome. That era of the NHL is in the past, and a roster spot cannot be reserved for a no-skill goon in an age where all 12 forward spots must be able to carry at least a semblance of offensive clout. Tom Wilsons, or enforcers who can also score 30 goals a season, are at a premium, too. Teams do not find that blend just lying around for the taking."
"Mason Marchment of the Columbus Blue Jackets was the latest to go after Schaefer on Sunday evening in Ohio. The veteran forward, who has made a career of toeing the line between legal and dirty play, followed a two-hand shiver to Schaefer's face by throwing a dangerous knee-on-knee hit at the 18-year-old contact that often spells serious injury. Schaefer turned out to be OK, but forward Mathew Barzal, who is as far from rough and tumble as you'll find in the NHL, stood up for his young teammate by delivering a two-handed chop of a slash across the feet of Marchment. The Columbus forward went down like a sack of potatoes and stayed there turtled on the ice while his teammates jumped Barzal, who, in turn, was slapped with a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct."
Calls for the New York Islanders to keep a traditional enforcer have diminished because modern NHL forwards must contribute offensively. True enforcer-scorer hybrids are rare and not a practical roster solution. Opponents have targeted rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, and Columbus forward Mason Marchment delivered a dangerous knee-on-knee hit after a two-hand shove to Schaefer's face. Mathew Barzal responded by chopping Marchment across the feet, earning a five-minute major and game misconduct. Barzal’s ejection left the Islanders shorthanded and they relinquished a 2-1 lead, but the team publicly backed his actions.
Read at www.amny.com
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