Chris Simon's first fight as a Wild player.

Last night Wild tough guy Chris Simon had his first fight wearing a Wild jersey and he worked New Jersey tough guy David Clarkson like a clown. Look for Simon to do more fighting and playing the physical game.

Team wants Simon to be his true self
MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune
After missing two games because of the flu and one as a healthy scratch, Chris Simon was back in the Wild lineup in Thursday's 4-3 shootout loss to New Jersey.

Wild coach Jacques Lemaire asked for a much more physical Simon, which is interesting because physicality has never been an issue during Simon's 15-year NHL career.

But Lemaire sensed tentativeness from Simon, perhaps because he was worried "the eyes are on him" because of the infamy he's gained from slashing the Rangers' Ryan Hollweg in the face and stepping on the leg of Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu.

"All the press -- TV's on him, league's on him, referee's on him," said Lemaire, referring to the fact that Simon is coming off recent 25- and 30-game suspensions. "It's not an easy situation for him."

Simon was acquired to be a physical presence, but he's trying to find a balance.

"He tries to be a good man, but he's got to do his job. See what I mean?" Lemaire said. "He's got to do his job, playing hard, playing tough, but the eyes are on him."

Simon, 36, tried to respond Thursday. He had one big hit on Sheldon Brookbank and fought David Clarkson, although he played only 5 1/2 minutes. "In the beginning, you feel like you have to be careful," he said. "But I feel more comfortable out there with the system and how I'm supposed to play. I just have to play my game and just trust that I'll get a fair shake.

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