Ottawa Senators Have a Great Enforcer in Chris Neil

Oct 3, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenceman Matt Bartkowski (12) has his shot blocked by Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) during the third period at MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Every team needs that enforcer who isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and protect his teammates. The Ottawa Senators have that role covered thanks to Chris Neil.

Fights can galvanize a team and provide a surge of energy. Neil knows how to fire up the Senators with his rambunctious style, never backing down from a challenge.

Only Derek Dorsett had more penalty minutes last season that Neil, who clocked in at 165 penalty minutes. Neil has carved out a solid career for himself as a gritty enforcer.

As remarkable as it sounds, 165 penalty minutes in 80 games for Neil in 2015-2016 was one of the more well behaved seasons for him. His 2.06 penalty minutes per game was the 2nd lowest of his 14 year career. His lowest was the previous season of 2014-2015, in which he averaged 2.05 penalty minutes per game.

Neil appears to be getting more mellow in his old age, but that’s still an extremely relative label. Neil ranked 2nd on the team in hits despite averaging less than 10 minutes of ice time per game. He knows what his role is, and he does his job admirably.

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The challenge with Neil is knowing when to hold back from committing penalties. The Senators ranked 2nd to last in the league in 2015-2016 in penalty kill percentage, so they don’t have the luxury of being able to withstand reckless play.

Neil can still provide his bruising style, but he has to be aware of when a hard hit can go too far, and put his team in a precarious situation.

Neil is one of the most notorious enforcers in hockey. He ranked tied for 6th in the NHL in major penalties last season with 9, 1st in misconducts with 6, tied for 5th in fighting majors with 9, and had the distinction of having multiple instigators along with Wayne Simmonds.

Neil and Jordin Tootoo actually registered the most fights without being tagged any unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

Neil also has a sense of building drama. He and Cody McLeod tied for the league lead with 6 home fights. Neil saves his antics for an appreciative Senators crowd.

It’s one thing to show the toughness to get in a fight, but it’s another matter altogether to actually be good at fighting. According to hockeyfights.com, Neil went 4-3-2 in his fights this season. Chances are Neil was going to get the better of his opponent.

Most players start to break down as a season prolongs, but not Neil. According to hockeyfights.com, Neil went an impressive 3-1-1 in fights occurring from February onwards.

Neil has really adapted as the game has changed around him. He first debuted during the 2001-2002 season, and since then, the game has gotten a lot faster.

Teams can no longer afford to devote a roster spot to unskilled “goons.” The numbers reflect that reality. Last season’s leading penalty minutes total of 177 was the lowest to lead a season in a non-lockout shortened year since 1967-1968.

Only 1 non-lockout shortened season in the 1990s didn’t have a single 300 penalty minute player. Since 1999-2000, it’s only occurred 3 separate times in 15 non-lockout shortened seasons.

The 1996-1997 season alone featured Gino Odjick, Bob Probert, and Paul Laus racking up over 300 penalty minutes. It’s a different game than it was two decades ago.

Neil might not be able to score double digit goals for the Senators or contribute 20+ points anymore, but he provides an edge for this squad that’s invaluable.

Next: Ottawa Senators Utilizing the Skill of Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Neil has played for the Senators for his entire career, and has been an alternate captain since the 2013-2014 season. He’s a crucial component to this team.

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