Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews and James Neal fight in second period (Video)

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

During the second period of Friday night’s game between the Blackhawks and Predators, Jonathan Toews and James Neal had an epic fight.

It’s very rare to see a captain fight someone in the NHL. Usually, somebody else will fight instead of the captain to protect them and keep them on the ice. However, sometimes frustration boils over and your captain has to do something about it.

That’s what happened during Friday evening’s game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators. Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews got hit hard by Predators forward James Neal. The two had enough and decided to solve their differences the only way hockey players can – by fighting.

Toews has the nickname “Captain Serious” for a reason. While he’s an extremely serious guy, he’s also one of the most competitive players in the NHL. His hate for losing is what drives him to be such a great player. This is an example of what happens when a player needs to take out his frustrations. Neal was the closest willing combatant.

Some hockey fights are rather wimpy. They’re basically just two guys bear hugging each other and trying not to fall. However, Neal and Toews each throw some real punches at each other. The hatred between the Blackhawks and the Predators is becoming quite real.

Toews has a lot to be angry about so far this season. His Blackhawks are 0-2-0 to start the season. Their penalty kill is a complete mess. Toews is a man who prides himself on his defense, so the Blackhawks’ penalty kill woes likely hit him hard. The fight was a tie, but the Predators won the war, as they won the game 3-2 thanks to three power play goals.