When Detroit Red Wings forward/defenseman Witkowski and Nick Seeler of the Minnesota Wild squared off and traded punches in the second period of the Wild’s 4-1 victory Sunday night, it was reminiscent of a Red Wings-Minnesota North Stars game from the old Chuck Norris Division days of the 1980s.
“Earlier in the year, I used the saying OTH – old-time hockey – that’s how they used to fight back in the day,” Witkowski explained to Detroitredwings.com. “People that like fighting, like to see that come back every once in a while.”
From the moment they dropped the mitts, Witkowski recognized immediately that this wasn’t going to be your typical NHL wrestling match passing itself off as a fight.
“Right away after the first couple he threw, I figured it was just going to be toe to toe,” Witkowski said. “It ended up being a good one.”
The Wings added the 6-2, 210-pound Witkowski as a free agent in the summer for two reasons.
“Witter is somebody who when we signed him, one of the things I was attracted to was his versatility,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “He can play both forward and D. Obviously when you’re tight against the cap, it helps to have guys with versatility.”
Mostly, though it was because of the edge he brought to their lineup.
“I think toughness matters all the time,” Blashill said. “When a guy fights for you and bleeds for you, you want to play real hard for him. Witter brings an element to the team that other people don’t bring.”
Witkowski just wishes he got to deliver his payload on a more regular basis, wherever and whenever. Sunday’s appearance was only his 24th game of the season and just his second action since Feb. 20.
“I just want to be in the lineup,” Witkowski said. “If it’s at D or forward, I don’t really care. I did it last year. Some games I’d play both, and I’ve done that this year, so I’m pretty used to it by now.
“I thought yesterday for myself personally, it was one of my best games at forward. I’m just kind of in and out of the lineup, forward, D. I’m just trying to stay in the lineup. Whatever I can do to help this team, I’ll do it.”
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