A sharp rise in on-ice altercations has made NHL fighting a more prominent part of the league’s identity this season, drawing increased attention from fans and media alike. The trend has sparked discussions about player behavior, league enforcement, and whether the physicality is escalating beyond traditional hockey culture. Analysts examine whether the uptick reflects deeper issues in team dynamics or simply a return to the sport’s combative roots. The debate highlights how fighting, once a fringe element, now plays a central role in shaping public perception of the game.

Wysh List: Why NHL fighting is up -- and getting noticed  ESPN