Best Hockey Fights Of All Time
The Importance of Fighting in Hockey
In hockey, fighting is more than just a physical altercation. It's a way for teams to stand up for their players, show their toughness, and gain momentum on the ice. While fighting may not be as prevalent in today's game as it was in the past, it has still played an important role in shaping the history of the NHL. From bench-clearing brawls to one-on-one showdowns, these legendary battles have become a part of hockey lore.
The Top 10 Best Hockey Fights of All Time
Without further ado, here are the top 10 best hockey fights of all time:
1. Dave Schultz vs. Dale Rolfe
In Game 7 of the 1974 Stanley Cup Finals, Dave Schultz of the Philadelphia Flyers and Dale Rolfe of the New York Rangers engaged in a brutal brawl that lasted over a minute. Schultz, known as "The Hammer," pummeled Rolfe with punches before finally knocking him to the ice. The Flyers went on to win the game and the Cup, and Schultz's performance in the fight has gone down in NHL history as one of the greatest.
2. Tie Domi vs. Bob Probert
In 1992, Tie Domi of the Winnipeg Jets and Bob Probert of the Detroit Red Wings engaged in what many consider to be the quintessential hockey fight. The two heavyweights traded blows for over two minutes, with neither fighter gaining a clear advantage. The fight ended in a draw, but it remains one of the most memorable battles in NHL history.
3. Marty McSorley vs. Bob Probert
In a 1991 matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Detroit Red Wings, Marty McSorley and Bob Probert engaged in a fight that lasted for nearly two minutes. The two fighters traded punches and landed some devastating blows before finally being separated by the referees. McSorley would later say that the fight was "the most scared I've ever been in my life."
4. Georges Laraque vs. Todd Fedoruk
In a 2006 matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks, Georges Laraque and Todd Fedoruk engaged in a fight that lasted for over a minute. The two heavyweights traded punches and landed some brutal blows, with Laraque eventually knocking Fedoruk to the ice. Fedoruk would later say that the fight was "the hardest punch I've ever taken."
5. Rob Ray vs. Bob Probert
In a 1994 matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings, Rob Ray and Bob Probert engaged in a fight that lasted for over two minutes. The two fighters traded punches and landed some heavy blows, with Ray eventually knocking Probert to the ice. The fight is considered one of the most legendary battles in NHL history.
6. Derek Boogaard vs. Wade Belak
In a 2007 matchup between the Minnesota Wild and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Derek Boogaard and Wade Belak engaged in a fight that lasted for over a minute. The two fighters traded punches and landed some hard blows, with Boogaard eventually knocking Belak to the ice. The fight was one of the last of Boogaard's career, as he would tragically pass away in 2011 at the age of 28.
7. Terry O'Reilly vs. Stan Jonathan
In a 1978 matchup between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers, Terry O'Reilly and Stan Jonathan engaged in a fight that has become a part of hockey legend. The two fighters traded punches and landed some brutal blows, with O'Reilly eventually knocking Jonathan to the ice. The fight sparked a bench-clearing brawl and remains one of the most memorable in NHL history.
8. Darren McCarty vs. Claude Lemieux
In a 1997 matchup between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche, Darren McCarty and Claude Lemieux engaged in a fight that had been brewing for months. McCarty had been seeking revenge against Lemieux for a hit in the previous year's playoffs that had injured one of McCarty's teammates. The two fighters traded punches and landed some devastating blows, with McCarty eventually knocking Lemieux to the ice.
9. Brian McGrattan vs. Deryk Engelland
In a 2014 matchup between the Calgary Flames and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brian McGrattan and Deryk Engelland engaged in a fight that lasted for over a minute. The two heavyweights traded punches and landed some brutal blows, with both fighters eventually falling to the ice. The fight is considered one of the most epic battles of the modern era of the NHL.
10. Kevin Stevens vs. Marty McSorley
In Game 6 of the 1991 Stanley Cup Finals, Kevin Stevens of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Marty McSorley of the Los Angeles Kings engaged in a fight that lasted for nearly two minutes. The two fighters traded punches and landed some heavy blows, with McSorley eventually knocking Stevens to the ice. The fight helped to swing the momentum in favor of the Kings, who went on to win the game and force a Game 7.
Conclusion
While fighting may not be as prevalent in today's NHL as it was in the past, the fights that have taken place will forever remain a part of hockey history. From bench-clearing brawls to one-on-one showdowns, these legendary battles have captivated fans and provided some of the most unforgettable moments in the sport.