from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,

“There’s inherent risk in playing hockey,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “There’s inherent risk in getting into a fight. He was sticking up for Larkin in that case, who got his head rung against the boards.

“I know this: he’d do it again. And I’m good with him doing it again. I want him to do it again. We want to make sure we are sticking up for each other. You’re not going anywhere at any time if you have a team that is selfish and does not care about each other. No chance. The best chance for us to have great success here is for us to make sure we are looking after each other at all times. Sometimes these types of things are going to happen. That’s the reality of life.

"It’s just like saying, well, should you block shots? Of course you should block shots because that’s a sacrifice it takes to win. Every once in a while you’re going to get a broken bone because of it. Should you take a hit to make a play? Of course you should take a hit to make a play. Otherwise you’re never winning. Should you stick up for your teammate? Of course you should stick up for your teammates, otherwise you’re never winning. That’s just the reality of it.”

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