I thought McSorley swung his stick hoping to get Brashear to react and fight. I don't think he was looking to take out Brashear the way he did, as far as intent goes. Frustration was involved and while I don't think he aimed at Brashear's head, I didn't have a problem with how he was penalized. I do think the courts were pretty quick to put on their self righteous glasses though. From what I read, they must be a good seller.
Perezhogin got caught up in stuff he wasn't ready for. He was targeted and seemed in shock that playoff at the way they were coming after him. The guy took a whack at him, he turned around and reacted. I don't think he realized the guy was down and he was winging at head level, but I've not read anything where he discussed the incident. Again, reaction out of frustration. No excuse for either but I understand how it happened.
I didn't see the Green Maki incident, the weird thing was, when it was reported, I thought they got it wrong. Green was the bad boy, not Maki.
I remember looking at an old photo of Eddie Shack/Larry Zeidel after a lengthy, stick swinging/spearing duel. That wasn't a swing, that was 2 guys fighting with sticks.
I remember on an old Saturday NBC game, Dennis Hextall and Wayne Cashman swinging sticks at each other, though details are fuzzy. Both players would gladly carve you up if necessary, esp. Hextall, who may have been the most vicious player on the ice I ever saw.