Alumni In the Pros: January 2012

[Josh '99]

Cornell alumni unrelated thread drift:  Dan Boyle beat the snot out of Derick Brassard, wow.  Beat down.

Isn't beating the snot out of people Murray's job?

[nr53]

Cornell alumni unrelated thread drift:  Dan Boyle beat the snot out of Derick Brassard, wow.  Beat down.

Isn't beating the snot out of people Murray's job?

Relative to Boyle, yes but Murry has been moved to the second D pair with Brent Burns and wasn't on the ice for any of the late-game shenanigans (that I noticed at least). He also hasn't had to do much fighting in recent years:

According to hockeyfights.com
2011-2012 Regular Season   NHL (1)
2011-2012 Preseason           NHL (1)
2010-2011 Regular Season   NHL (4)
2010-2011 Preseason      NHL (1)
2009-2010 Regular Season   NHL (2)
2008-2009 Postseason      NHL (1)
2008-2009 Regular Season   NHL (2)
2008-2009 Preseason      NHL (1)
2007-2008 Regular Season   NHL (11)

[KeithK]

Cornell alumni unrelated thread drift:  Dan Boyle beat the snot out of Derick Brassard, wow.  Beat down.

Isn't beating the snot out of people Murray's job?

Relative to Boyle, yes but Murry has been moved to the second D pair with Brent Burns and wasn't on the ice for any of the late-game shenanigans (that I noticed at least). He also hasn't had to do much fighting in recent years:

According to hockeyfights.com
2011-2012 Regular Season   NHL (1)
2011-2012 Preseason           NHL (1)
2010-2011 Regular Season   NHL (4)
2010-2011 Preseason      NHL (1)
2009-2010 Regular Season   NHL (2)
2008-2009 Postseason      NHL (1)
2008-2009 Regular Season   NHL (2)
2008-2009 Preseason      NHL (1)
2007-2008 Regular Season   NHL (11)

I think early on in his pro career Murray tried specifically to fill the physical defenseman role to cement his place in the league. I think he placed more emphasis on hitting, which probably results in more fights.  As he's become more established he's focused more on playing solid positional defense with a physical component.  He still delivers punihsing hits but it's not the sole focus of his game.

[ACM]

Not strictly the right place for this, as he's not a Cornell alum, but his brother coached Andy Iles for a while, and I think it's important to remember people: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theithacajournal/obituary.aspx?n=robert-a-armstrong&pid=155722068

[dag14]

I met Bobby Armstrong 30 years ago when he was an undergrad at Clarkson...and a member of the Clarkson hockey team.  I liked and respected him anyway.  I wanted my new-born son to grow up to be a person like Bobby Armstrong [except for the part about going to Clarkson].  The world is a lesser place with his passing and my heart goes out to his family.

[RatushnyFan]

It's a rough month for hockey players and coaches with the Armstrong family name.  May Bobby and Jim both rest in peace.

Re. Douglas, I think his fights are also down because players aren't as willing to challenge him.  They've learned that he's quite strong and it's no fun to get hurt (the Eric Boulton fight notwithstanding).