NHL, often loved for its break-neck speed, skill, and strategy, also has a long-tradition of some of the bloodiest brawls in sports history.
While the sport itself has moved away from bumps and brawls, it’s history is pathed in blood.
Although the crowd comes for the hotdogs, beers and goals… when the players drop the gloves and square-up, that is when the biggest cheers come from the fans.
Biggest NHL Fights In History
Let’s take some guilty pleasure and take a look at some of the biggest and bloodiest NHL hockey fights that have left a lasting mark on the sport.
1. The Battle of the Titans: Bob Probert vs. Tie Domi
In December the 1992 season, Bob Probert of the Detroit Red Wings and Tie Domi of the New York Rangers faced off in what is often considered one of the biggest and wildest fights in NHL history.
Probert, known for his fearsome reputation, and Domi, an up-and-coming NHL enforcer, engaged in a lengthy, brutal brawl.
The fight, lasting over a minute, saw both players exchange some brutal punches, showcasing their resilience and toughness.
2. The Broad Street Brawlers: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Ottawa Senators
On March 5, 2004, the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators were involved in one of the most chaotic and memorable fights in NHL history.
This game featured a huge 419 penalty minutes, including multiple fights and misconducts.
The action began with a fight between Donald Brashear and Rob Ray and quickly escalated into a full-scale bench-clearing melee involving nearly all players on the ice.
The game saw repeated fights, goalie confrontations, and a never-ending parade to the penalty box, making it a legendary event in the annals of hockey fights.
3. The Rivalry Renewed: Claude Lemieux vs. Darren McCarty
The Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche rivalry of the late 1990s and early 2000s was marked by intense competition and some vicious hatred for each other.
One of the most infamous incidents occurred on March 26, 1997, when Darren McCarty of the Red Wings sought retribution against Claude Lemieux of the Avalanche for a previous hit on Kris Draper.
McCarty’s attack on Lemieux ignited a massive brawl, including goalies Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon squaring off.
This fight, known as the “Brawl in Hockeytown,” symbolized the peak of the bitter rivalry and is remembered as one of the biggest fights in NHL history.
4. Goalie Showdown: Patrick Roy vs. Chris Osgood
Goaltenders rarely take part in any kind of fights, but when they do, it becomes an unforgettable spectacle.
On April 1, 1998, Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche and Chris Osgood of the Detroit Red Wings took center stage during another heated matchup.
The two goalies left their creases and met at center ice, exchanging blows in a fierce fight.
This rare goalie clash added another chapter to the heated Red Wings-Avalanche rivalry.
5. The Line Brawl: Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
On January 18, 2014, the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks started their game with an all-out line brawl, featuring all ten skaters on the ice.
Just two seconds into the game, a fight broke out involving all players, including heavyweights Kevin Westgarth and Tom Sestito.
The brawl set the tone for a game filled with some bone-crunching physicality and tension.
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