Bettman: No consensus on 'overblown' fighting issue
/The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review interviewed Commissioner Gary Bettman Saturday. Among the topics covered: fighting in the NHL.
Q: Where do you stand on fighting in the NHL?
A: It's an overblown issue because it's a small part of the game, and to the extent there are concussions it's a small part of that. Fighting is something we'll continue to focus on, but there hasn't been a consensus from the hockey people — on the side of management — or the players to make a change. I've been told if the NHLPA did a poll that 98 percent of the players would say don't change the rule.
Bettman also addressed the salary cap with the fluctuating Canadian dollar, the Olympics and the league, and why shootouts in the NHL are not going anywhere.