Paul Bissonette Rips Into Gary Bettman Like No other Has

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Skyler Walker
March 22, 2023 (8:58)

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Paul Bissonnette, a former NHL enforcer, has emerged as a prominent hockey personality and commentator, known for his outspoken nature and willingness to voice his opinions on controversial topics. In a recent episode of the Spittin' Chicklets Podcast, Bissonnette expressed his views on how linesmen are interrupting fights too quickly, and shared his belief about the motives behind the decision to restrict fights in hockey.

"If you're a f***ing NHL linesman and you're listening to this right now - STOP STOPPING FIGHTS. F*** off. If Kim Jong Bettman is telling them to not allow them to fight, on behalf of me tell him to f*** off. That is what's selling the game, that is what separates our game from the other major sports. And if you take that away, it's f***ing stupid. Allow it. You say everybody on their feet, you saw everybody online and any casual hockey fan, all of a sudden paying attention to that f***ing hockey game. So what did they do? They don't let them fight."

Ryan Whitney recently voiced his opinion on the decrease in fights in the NHL, speculating that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman may be instructing linesmen to prevent fights from occurring. Whitney noted that linesmen have been intervening more frequently to stop fights, and suggested that this may be a result of league policies aimed at reducing fighting in hockey.

As fighting becomes less common, rumors have surfaced that the NHL may also seek to decrease body checking in order to appeal to a younger audience, potentially alienating fans who have long appreciated the physicality of the sport. The NHL's shift towards a more youth-oriented approach risks neglecting the fans who have helped grow the game with their appreciation for fights and physical play.

Source: Hockeypatrol.com