If you think fighting doesn't have an impact on the energy of the other players on the team, you might want to watch this video of Toronto Maple Leafs players erupting after Ryan Reaves dropped Tanner Jeannot.
Fighting is having a moment this year in the NHL. Between line brawls with all players participating to anticipated heavyweight tilts between rookies and revered fighters, there is something happening that is bringing back throwing hands in hockey.
It's clear that the players love seeing it, as well. Just take a look at this video below, which shows the Toronto Maple Leafs' bench when Ryan Reaves and Tanner Jeannot dropped the gloves. Both were tough players, the fight was huge, and saw Reaves drop Jeannot with a massive right hand. You can see the whole Leafs bench light up in response.
The Leafs bench was having some fun when Ryan Reaves knocked out Tanner Jeannot! 🤣💙
Seeing Auston Matthews, the Leafs' (and NHL's) best goal scorer get an instant boost of energy from the fight is exactly what proponents of fighting have been arguing about.