Because of that, it's lucky for the Flyers that Nic Deslauriers was back in the lineup for the first time this season, and shortly after the game began, he dropped the gloves for a heavyweight tilt for the ages.
With the Flyers trailing 1-0 just five minutes into the game, Deslauriers did his thing in an attempt to get the home crowd into the game, but it appears he didn't get the job done. The fight was as spirited as any we've seen in recent years, and while the smart money would have been on Deslauriers, it looked as though the 32-year old McIlrath may have gotten the best of him in this one.
While fighting in the NHL is becoming less and less common, it's a part of the game that casual fans absolutely love, and given the appeal that the NHL is trying to make on a day like the Frozen Frenzy, this is exactly what those casual fans tuning in want to see. With all 32 games in action, it's expected to be a jam packed evening of fights, hits, great goals and robberies in net, and if every game brings this level of excitement, it will be a win for Gary Bettman and the NHL.