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Ted Nolan readies to coach against his son Jordan for first time

Boston Bruins v Buffalo Sabres

BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Ted Nolan of the Buffalo Sabres watches the action against the Boston Bruins on October 18, 2014 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

Buffalo Sabres head coach Ted Nolan didn’t deny the emotional impact of coaching against his son (Jordan Nolan, Los Angeles Kings forward) for the first time.

Beyond winning, it seems like Ted Nolan hopes that no one fights Jordan tonight, as he told WGR 550.

“Well, blood’s thicker than water, but your team is your team, so hopefully that won’t happen,” Ted Nolan said. “Marcus [Foligno] is a great kid and Jordan’s a great kid so hopefully that doesn’t happen, but they battle hard and they compete.”

It’s true that Jordan Nolan, 25, isn’t shy to drop the mitts.

He fought six times in each of the last two seasons, including the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign. He hasn’t gotten into a skirmish in his five games this season yet, though.

If Ted Nolan needs any tips on handling NHL competition among family members, he could always ask tonight’s opposing head coach Darryl Sutter. If any family knows what it’s like to face off against loved ones, it’s the Sutters.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins