Fights have spiked in another shortened NHL season

DETROIT (AP) - Wanna fight?

If you're an NHL player, you can probably find somebody to drop the gloves.

A lockout-delayed and shortened season has sparked a spike in fights just as it did the last time the league's labor woes led to a 48-game season. Four fights have started within the first few seconds of a game.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says he doesn't know why fights have been happening so frequently, adding no one could have a precise answer. He notes the league has seen a significant decrease in fighting majors over the last week.

Some players say they're unleashing pent-up energy with bare-knuckled blows. Others want to give fans what they seem to want. One player acknowledges he's fighting for his job.

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