NHL 14 Player Ratings: Highlighting New Enforcer Engine and Best Fighters

Almost no one wants to throw hands with Florida Panthers (now with the Montreal Canadiens, per Jason Brough of Pro Hockey Talk) right wing George Parros. In recognition of Parros' fistic gifts, he has the highest fighting skills in NHL 14. The 6'5", 228-pound 33-year-old is rated a 92 in fighting.

Parros doesn't win every scrap, but whomever he tangles with knows he's been in a fight. Take a look at this highlight reel of Parros' best fights from his days with the Anaheim Ducks.

Following Parros in NHL 14 in fighting skills prowess is a host of tough guys who are rated a 90. Here's a look at the others who are likely to take full advantage of the fighting engine in NHL 14. 

The fighting system is far more intuitive in the game this year. It is an extension of the new Enforcer Engine that allows players to roam the ice looking for an altercation—even after the whistle.

The engine is powered by the same technology that was used in EA Sports Fight Night. When playing this year's version, you can see there is more rhyme and reason to the confrontations. Fights don't begin randomly. They start based on physical play and don't always have to include the players involved in the initial collision.

During the fight, players can pull the jerseys and move around to gain an advantage. Here's a trailer that explains the Enforcer Engine and how it relates to the fighting system.

Fights are also no longer a first-person minigame as they were before. The third-person presentation is more indicative of what you'd see when two enforcers collide during a real NHL game.

The game takes into account the size and weight of the players in fights. You can also easily tell the difference between a guy like Parros and someone who doesn't enjoy the scrap as much. Take a look at Parros pounding St. Louis Blues defenseman Barret Jackman.

Jackman is no pushover. He has a fighting skill rating of 87, but Parros' five-inch height advantage is apparent and clearly a factor. Poor Jackman.

The fighting skill rating means more in NHL 14 than it ever has in the series. Big punchers and more skilled gamers can even end fights with one punch, which is pretty awesome.

Perhaps the best part of the presentation is that if you come away with a black eye, you'll have it throughout the game.

That's taking it to the next level, and I love it.

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