Dirty Players

I assume most of you have seen the Lapierre play from last night. If not the video is below. This got me to thinking of who holds the title in the NHL for dirtiest and most gutless player. So, some criteria for this include being considered someone who delivers dirty hits or someone who dives a lot. As well they should be people who generally don't fight, or don't fight people with much pugilistic skill. That doesn't necessarily mean that they avoid enforces, but if you only go after smaller players or ones who rarely, if ever, fight, then you are gutless.  If you also go after other players in vulnerable positions and let your teammates handle the retribution, you are gutless.

The candidates:

Maxim Lapierre. He has two fights on the season, one against Zach Bogosian and one against Keith Ballard. Lapierre has 15 pounds on Bogosian, and he has 3 inches and 5 pounds on Ballard. Neither are noted pugilists and both are smaller players.

Sean Avery. We all know the deal with him, however he has fought Carcillo once and Hartnell twice, so he isn't as gutless as Lapierre. Although he has fought Bruno Gervais (2 career fights), Ruslan Fedotenko (5 fights since 2000) and Mike Mottau (5 NHL fights since 2000) this year.

Jordin Tootoo. Not shy of catching people in the head and in this years seem content to let Wade Belak handle his problems. He has fought twice this season; although he has only played in 33 games. Both of those fights came in the same game against the same player, Kenddal McArdle.

Matt Cooke. Like Tootoo, not shy about head-hunting. Has fought three times this year, and listen to the quality of the fighters; Ilya Kovalchuk, Ryan Callahan and Chris Drury.

Steve Downie and Ryan Hollweg. These guys get special mention for being extremely dirty despite the fact that they do generally back up their actions. We all know what they do, but I'm not sure they people they hit remember.

The Evidence: Lapierre:

Avery:

Tootoo:

Cooke:

I would add a poll, but my internet isn't allowing me too for some reason.  So cast your votes for the dirtiest and most gutless player in the NHL in the comments section.