Fighting is a staple of the NHL, many fans who do not closely follow a certain team will go to a game to simply to see exciting fights. It is interesting though to see what is allowed during a fight and what is allowed during typical play. Recently Mike Green, a defenseman for the Washington Capitals, was suspended for three games for elbowing an opponent in the head during play. At the time the offense occurred, the player who was hit was not seriously injured and the hit was ruled a minor penalty.