Rutherford reportedly pissed with Crosby, Malkin and Letang

Before the holiday break, the Pittsburgh Penguins engaged in an intense game with the Columbus Blue Jackets - one that saw all of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang drop the gloves at different points.

It was surprising, to say the least, because these players aren't the type to fight, and the last thing anyone needs is for any of these star players to suffer a senseless injury in a relatively meaningless play.

Jim Rutherford acquired Ryan Reaves to stand up for the star players on the team and take the fights when necessary, and as a matter of fact, the also fought in this game.

Reportedly, Rutherford was not happy at all with his star players.

"(I) was told Rutherford was none too pleased Thursday against Columbus, when Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Letang — $25.45 million worth of franchise pillars — were mixing it up," Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. "That’s why he went and got Ryan Reaves — and paid such a steep price. Can’t say I blame him."

It comes as no surprise that Rutherford was upset by this - he gave up a relatively hefty price for a grinder/enforcer in Ryan Reaves, and it was for the specific reason of protecting the likes of Crosby and Malkin. Having those players put themselves in dangerous situations between whistles is the last thing the Penguins' GM wants to see.

That being said, a lot of people, and players, loved seeing the star players stand up for themselves, it's a huge boost to team morale.

How did you feel about all this?