Even though Brandon Dubinsky has disappointed on some fronts this season, he does have a career high in goals, with 16 in just 56 games, and has a chance to break his season-high 41 points from last season.

Though if there’s one thing that fans and coaches don’t have to worry about with Dubi, it’s his passion and heart for the game. He’s willing to take the body, forecheck hard, and get dirty.

Sunday, he did just that, fighting the Flyers‘ captain Mike Richards with just 3:46 left in the game, which Steve Zipay has more on.

“I guess the message is that we are going to respond and be there step by step with them,” said Dubinsky, who swapped words and bumps all day with the Flyers, who close the season with two games against the Rangers. “If they want to mix it up, we are going to mix it up. We have guys in here who are willing to do that and guys that are good at it. We are not going to back down. We are going to continue to fight, scratch and claw every game to find a way to get into the playoffs.”

…Dubi is a heart-and-soul type player and I would love him to score more, but right now we have to take his ups-and-downs. Richards and Dubinsky fought a few years ago, relatively even, but Dubi looked much better in this one. It’s nice to see him willing to step-up and do what it takes to earn two points.

…More from Larry Brooks

TO WATCH VIDEO OF THE FIGHT, CLICK AFTER THE JUMP