"Young Justin Abdelkader received some fighting tips from Brad May last month and put them to good use in the second period against Anaheim.

After Corey Perry had elbowed Ville Leino twice, Abdelkader hit Perry just outside the Detroit blue line. Ryan Getzlaf knocked Abdelkader down and then Perry jumped into the fray. Both Perry and Abdelkader received 5-minute fighting majors.

"It was the first (NHL fight), kind of got it out of the way," Abdelkader said. "Obviously the style I play, it's going to happen -- not every game, but I'll stick up for myself and my teammates when I have to."

Coach Mike Babcock didn't mind it at all.

"It was fine, he's just got to do it more," Babcock said. "Abby's a tough kid. He's just got to figure out that he's allowed to abuse people and you're allowed to go out there and play your game. Once he figures out what that game is, he's going to be very effective for us. It's great. Corey Perry's a good player and a tough kid. That was a good exchange for us."

Abdelkader said he remembered May's advice."