Why are Neil's PIM totals down so much from previous years?

[kurt]

I know the guy has a regular spot in the lineup, and isn't just there to stir things up, but he usually does a pretty good job of mixing it up while also contributing on a regular shift. Anyone else surprised by the downturn?

Is it a trend, or is it just too small a sample size? Has his role changed?

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[ErikNorrisson]

Has he fought this season?

 

[Benjamin]

Who?

 

[HavlatMach9]

He fights to wake the team up, but the current team is Snorlax, always sleeping.

 

[SenzZen]

I think it's because he's been on the IR...

 

[kurt]

Who?

Haha sorry, Neil! Typos are fun guys!

 

[utah]

Because he now thinks he's Gretzky.

 

[Patvolcom65]

He thinks he's Ovechkin. Trying to play fancy hockey instead of stiring **** up.

 

[Berserker*]

He has really cut down on the undisciplined play and now takes much fewer bad penalties. So overall his reduction in penalty minutes is a fairly positive. Aside from that, he doesn't fight as often now so that would also translate into a substantial decrease in his overall PIMS.

 

[Powdered Toast Man]

His hits are there as per usual. Fights I care substantially less about

 

[melnyk budget*]

With all the media hype about fighting in hockey, and Shanahan handing out suspensions like Halloween candy, I wouldn't be surprised if Neil thinks about what could happen if he makes the wrong hit every time he's on the ice. He's playing it safe out there.

 

[DonthaveaCOWEN]

He has been god awful. Hasn't even looked like an NHL calibre player so far.

 

[Sensinitis]

He fights to wake the team up, but the current team is Snorlax, always sleeping.

Because he now thinks he's Gretzky.

 

[Tundraman]

Neil has found another way to keep busy instead of fighting players. He's lost multiple fights with hockey equipment. An errant puck to the face for stitches, high stick from Zack Smith for more stitches, another uncalled high stick for a back eye and he hit the boards hard a couple of times for assorted bumps and bruises. He doesn't need to look for fights to bring up his pims the game is bringing it to him at no charge.