Has Clarkson Dropped The "Fighting Role"?

by Pmunk on Feb 20, 2012 6:51 PM EST

Ever since Clarky started getting closer and closer to his career high in goals scored, it seemed that he dropped the tough guy role and handed it over to Janssen and Boulton. Don't get me wrong he is still a physical player, but he hasn't been as physical in previous seasons.

What do you guys think? Do you think that Clarky is going to continue being the 20 goal scorer he is now in seasons to come, or do you think this is kinda rare for him?

Personally, I love the way he is playing now. We have Janssen and Boulton to take on the more physical role and to take care of things when needed.

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I think he’s very satisfied in the role he has now as a goal scoring threat who is also comfortable dropping the gloves should the situation warrant it.

Also interesting- Another role Clarkson seems to have dropped is his tendency to drop to the ice.

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by NJallDay on Feb 20, 2012 9:09 PM EST reply actions

No doubt about it, I’ve seen a change in Clarksons play for the better now. He’s evolved over the past two years into a goal scoring threat who’s still physical, but his role isn’t that of an enforcer as much as it was in the past. I think the Devils benefit a whole lot more in the process.

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by Tim G on Feb 20, 2012 10:30 PM EST reply actions

Recently he hasn’t been fighting. I wouldn’t say he should drop it altogether because it’s part of his game and part of his value to the team.

by popp on Feb 20, 2012 11:45 PM EST reply actions

Puck Daddy said it best when they said Clarky has turned into the prototypical fighter-scorer; not afraid to drop the mitts, but can put up some good goal totals. He’s really settled into his role here, which I think can be completely attributed to PDB. Clarky’s also shown what he does best (being physical, his shot etc) while hiding his faults (bad penalties at times, his skating etc).

by skly27 on Feb 21, 2012 12:36 AM EST reply actions

Wait...Clarkson is a bad skater?

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by MikePelusoTears on Feb 21, 2012 11:25 AM EST reply actions

yes, fighting is defenitely on the back burner for Clarky, which makes perfect sense. He wouldn’t hesitate to drop the gloves if necessary, but he’s going to play as more of an agitator / goal scorer now if possible, as long as he stays productive.

by JTdevs on Feb 21, 2012 2:36 PM EST reply actions

I hope so – Clarkson’s far too valuable to be sitting in a box for five minutes for a pointless reason.

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by John Fischer on Feb 21, 2012 4:58 PM EST reply actions

I don’t think Clarkson has haha

by Justin Bonica on Feb 21, 2012 8:06 PM EST reply actions

I love the way he’s playing.
He is a legitimate scoring threat who isn’t afraid to drop the gloves. Especially tonight when he dropped them to stand up for Zach after the hit. Clarkie is a great player and will continue to be one for years to come.

by NJGuy on Feb 21, 2012 10:12 PM EST reply actions

Clarkson must have read this prior to the game tonight.

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by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 22, 2012 12:44 AM EST reply actions

I think it has contributed to his success that he has kind of. We got other guys on the roster who are better at it now, so he doesnt have to. I like it.

by Chris Calabrese on Feb 23, 2012 5:07 PM EST reply actions