TimKerr said:
This rational because of the 'code' of the NHL fighter. Bigger player beats up one on smaller teammates, then I am going to beat someone up on the other team.
He is making logical sense because he believes and follows the 'code'
But that's never been the code. Never. The Code is here:
McSorley, the Kings fighter, takes a run at the Leafs star. Clark, the Leafs fighter, goes after McSorley. Clark didn't wait until the next time he was on the ice with Gretzky and punch him in the face. The idea that the "code" is "You hit our star, therefore I'm justified in doing whatever I want to whoever I want" has no basis in the history of the league.