The play, which merited a double-minor penalty for Pronger, left a gash above Hatcher's right eye. He needed 13 stitches to close the wound but returned to play. Those are two big guys. I don't think it's any surprise that it's been physical. The deciding factor might be which player best combines smarts with physical play.
Clubs try to avoid penalties in the playoffs.
Hatcher has held his emotions within reason and has three penalties for six minutes. He has drawn four minor penalties, a sign that his play irritates opponents. I'm not trying to draw penalties. That's just my game. Only the continued failure of the Stars' power play has kept Pronger's hyperactive play from hurting the Blues.