NHL Analyst Drops Seven F-Bombs Towards Bettman in Heated Interview

Published March 22, 2023 at 11:06
BY

Paul Bissonnette, a former NHL enforcer turned commentator, has gained notoriety for his candid opinions on contentious topics in hockey. Recently, on an episode of the Spittin' Chicklets Podcast, Bissonnette expressed his frustration with the frequency of linesmen intervening in fights and speculated about the motivations behind restrictions on fighting in the sport.

"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."


Similarly, former NHL player Ryan Whitney has weighed in on the decline in fights, suggesting that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman may be instructing linesmen to intervene more frequently. Whitney has observed an increase in linesmen stopping fights and attributes it to the NHL's policies aimed at reducing fighting in hockey.


As the NHL looks to appeal to a younger audience, rumors have circulated that the league may also seek to limit body checking, potentially alienating long-time fans who appreciate the physicality of the sport. This shift towards a more youth-centric approach in hockey risks neglecting the audience that has contributed to the game's growth through their admiration for fights and physical play.
POLL
March 22   |   109 answers
NHL Analyst Drops Seven F-Bombs Towards Bettman in Heated Interview

DO you think Bettman likes fighting in hockey?

Yes109.2 %
No9990.8 %
LIST OF POLL
Latest 10 stories