I would have the thugs more to inflict damage on the other team as opposed to protecting our own players. Keith won't be detered from elbowing Sedin. Marchand won't be detered from low balling Salo. Who cares about a 5 game suspension when your team is already in the playoffs; serve your 5 games, surender your small wage, get some rest and come back stronger. Instead make these other teams play without their top players when it counts during the playoffs. In the last month crank up the intensity and send a few star players out for the season. Who cares about a couple of 4th line thugs suspended for 5 games, if you have 6 or 7 at your disposal to begin with,
Ness: I want to get Capone! I don't know how to do it.
Malone: You wanna know how to get Capone? They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. *That's* the *Chicago* way! And that's how you get Capone. Now do you want to do that? Are you ready to do that? I'm offering you a deal. Do you want this deal?
Ness: I have sworn to capture this man with all legal powers at my disposal and I will do so.
Malone: Well, the Lord hates a coward.
[jabs Ness with his hand, and Ness shakes it]
Just think of the hunt for the Stanley cup as the hunt for Capone