The Impact of the Instigator Rule on Fighting in the National Hockey League

Abstract

Background. Fighting is often considered an essential part of professional hockey. Increased ticket sales, a means to self-regulate other dangerous gameplay, and helping teams win are a few of the reasons that fighting advocates provide for retaining fighting in the NHL. However, fighting trends have changed over the past 50 years. Given the recent data on concussions and player safety, an in-depth analysis of fighting is required to understand if fighting has a place in the future of the NHL. Methods. Seasonal statistical team data on NHL teams from the 1967 to 2019 seasons were collected and analyzed using publicly available databases. Specific outcome variables of interest related to fighting, penalties, the final team record for a given season, and final standing were recorded. *e data were divided into subgroups according to “era of play” and before/after the implementation of the instigator rule. *e trends in fighting, seasonal outcomes, and other minor penalties were assessed to determine the trends in fighting over the past 50 years, the relationship between fighting and winning, and the impact of the instigator rule. Results. Fights per game decreased significantly after the implementation of the instigator rule (0.71 to 0.51 fights per game, p < 0.0001). *ere was no significant difference in fights per game when comparing Stanley Cup champions to nonplayoff teams in either the modern era (0.36vs.0.42, p =0.43)ortheexpansionera(0.45vs.0.51, p =0.49).OnlytwoStanleyCupchampions(theFlyers1974-1975and the Ducks 2006-2007) led the league in fighting. A multivariate regression analysis comparing fights per game and points earned per season divided by the number of games played revealed a statistically significant inverse relationship (coefficient = −0.16, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Our analysis demonstrates that the Instigator rule achieved its intended effect to decrease the number of fightspergame.Inthecurrenteraofprofessionalhockey,thereisnocompellingevidencethatateamwithmorefightspergame will achieve greater seasonal success. *ese results continue to cast doubt on the belief that fighting is a necessary strategy for winning games at the NHL level.