Wanna fight? NHL players dropping gloves early and often as they did in last shortened season

Linesman Pierre Racicot (65) holds New York Rangers right wing Ryan Callahan (24) after Callahan was injured in a fight with Philadelphia Flyers center Maxime Talbot (25) of Cananda in the third period of their NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. The Rangers defeated the Flyers 2-1. Callahan didn't return to the game. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (The Associated Press)

Dallas Stars defenseman Brenden Dillon (4) and Detroit Red Wings wing Jordin Tootoo (22) fight during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

DETROIT – Wanna fight?

If you're an NHL player, you can probably find somebody to drop the gloves.

A lockout-delayed and shortened season has sparked a spike in fights just as it did the last time the league's labor woes led to a 48-game season. Four fights have started within the first few seconds of a game.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says he doesn't know why fights have been happening so frequently, adding no one could have a precise answer. He notes the league has seen a significant decrease in fighting majors over the last week.

Some players say they're unleashing pent-up energy with bare-knuckled blows. Others want to give fans what they seem to want. One player acknowledges he's fighting for his job.

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