George Parros: Nick Boynton deserves a belt

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Well, it’s a new year, but it’s the same season and times are tough once again. We did a good job of clawing back to .500 but have been falling by the wayside the last few games. My linemates have been playing well recently, though. I like seeing guys such as Mike Brown and Petteri Nokelainen chip in a few goals in 2010.

This New Year’s celebration was the first time I can remember not watching or hearing a broadcast of the ball dropping in Times Square. I have certainly been on the road a few times while the countdown has taken place but have never been on an airplane during the event. After our game in Dallas, we flew right into Nashville and didn’t land until after midnight.

I haven’t played in the last few games, which has been tough. It is never a fun position to be in -- watching the games from the locker room. Fortunately, there has been no lack of excitement as quite a few of your Ducks have been dropping the gloves. Troy Bodie had a spirited bout in Chicago to start the game, and Kyle Chipchura provided some excitement in Dallas by fighting Steve Ott.

But the real story as of late has been Nick Boynton. Not only did he force Ott into a second fight late in the Dallas game while sticking up for a teammate, but he took on one of the twin towers of the Minnesota Wild, Derek Boogaard. If anyone knows what it’s like to line up next to a 6-foot7 or 6-foot8 (off skates) human punching machine, then you’ll appreciate the job that Boynts did against this man. It’s not easy folks, and Nick handled his own. He did so well, in fact, that I felt it necessary to leave something hanging for him in his locker after the game. I have included a picture of his finely crafted heavyweight boxing belt for your viewing pleasure.

-- George Parros

The Times is pleased to have George Parros, the Ducks’ enforcer, writing for us this season with his thoughts on the ups and downs of life in the NHL.