Sports

Fight Fest: Pro Hockey Teams Brawl 3 Times in 4 Seconds

It may have been the longest four seconds to ever start a game. At least it felt like it.

Last night’s Dallas Stars-Boston Bruins game began not with one, not with two, but with three fist fights in the first four seconds. Those purists who want to keep fighting in hockey will love this clip. Those who want to take fighting out of the game will use this as evidence. And those boxing and MMA fans who wandered over to this post might become fans of a new sport. Here’s the something-for-everyone clip:

ESPN gives the details:

In the first 4 seconds of the game, there were three separate fights.

“I haven’t seen it [three fights at the start of the game like that],” Stars coach Marc Crawford said. ” It’s funny … two teams that don’t see each other very much. It shows you you can’t take anything for granted.”

Stars agitator Steve Ott bloodied Boston’s Gregory Campbell one second after the puck was dropped. That was followed by Boston’s Shawn Thornton pounding Stars forward Krys Barch one second later. And then Boston‘s Adam McQuaid was fighting Dallas’ Brian Sutherby 4 seconds in as the crowd roared with approval.

“Usually against Dallas it is interesting in this building,” Bruins coach Claude Julien said. “We got their starting lineups and we knew they wanted to start with a physical edge and we were ready.”

In the Stars’ previous visit to Boston on Nov. 1, 2008, there were 146 penalty minutes, tonight a mere 91.

Comments (82)

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  • Lion420
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 11:32am

    Those who want fighting taken out of Hockey, don’t understand the game and the reasons for fighting. Hockey is a fast paced contact sport. The first fight in this game was a response for a cheap shot that caused an injury to the one who started the fight. Fighting is often a way to police the game. When the referees don’t do their job, people will get hurt, so when someone plays dirty, you call him on it, you fight.

    Report Post » Lion420  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 12:12pm

      That’s a load of malarkey. 90% of fights are responses to the score, not to dirty hits. The primary use of fighting is in lame attempts to get the home crowd pumped up when the home team is getting slaughtered.

      And fighting doesn’t police anything. If it does anything at all, it would be to ratchet things up. If it were true that fighting helped players police the game then games that had fights SHOULD be the games where players were the most in control and cheap shots and thuggery was at a minimum. After all nobody would possibly do anything wrong with those player police out there right?

      Report Post »  
    • burkanuck
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:52pm

      Rowge said,
      “And fighting doesn’t police anything”.
      WHAT???!!! You have obviously never played hockey and know absolutely nothing about it. I never cease to be amazed at people who are completely ignorant about what they are talking about speaking as though they are some sort of authority. I have played hockey all of my life and have a brother who plays professionally. Fighting sure as heck DOES police things. Dirty hacks know that there is a time of reckoning when they act like idiots and it is a huge deterrent.
      Here’s a little food for thought for you “Rowge”, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, then to speak and remove all doubt.”

      Report Post »  
    • Battlecarrot
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:15pm

      ABSOLUTELY correct and Rowge you’ve never played hockey.You’d think twice about pulling a dirty move after some 6 foot six inch 250 pound super athelete with lightning reflexes handed you your head.Fights ALWAYS break out due to “chippiness”,and can be a vey effective game strategy as well.Obviously you’ve never been sent out onto the ice with instructions to “get”somebody-I have.

      Report Post »  
  • callywho
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 11:10am

    Did they even land a fist to the face or was it a helmet?
    I am a hockey purist and I like fighting in hockey. Players do not get hurt or put out of the game due to injury because of fighting. It is the illegal blind side hits to the head people should be outraged about, both fans of the game and haters of it. There is no urgency with the fights except for those people who would not watch hockey anyway should it be removed from the game. Total nonsense.

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 11:06am

    Great action but the game has lost it’s allure since they made them start wearing helmets.

    Report Post »  
  • TheMarine
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:34am

    They must have been incited by Palin. Did she put a hockey map on her facebook page?

    http://www.KevinWebb22.com

    Report Post » TheMarine  
  • Carl1
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:30am

    I can stand to watch Hockey about as much as pro wrestling. BORING…..

    Report Post » Carl1 Supports Israel  
  • DevotedDad
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:12am

    I love how they put the Tale of the Tape.

    The announcers make it even more exciting.

    throw some of the administration on the ice and let em duke it out. I think Cass Sunstein would be the first one to get dropped.

    Report Post » DevotedDad  
  • integrican
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:41am

    As an EX hockey player, I was often asked “why are there so many fights in hockey”….my simple answer was …”it’s the only game that you carry a weapon,” (and use it) the ol’ hockey stick. Just watch a game an keep an eye on the player’s sticks, especially away from the play, and you’ll soon realize why there are so many fights.

    Note: It is NOT like the Egypt thing as they DON’T throw pucks (rocks) at each other!!!! LOL

    Report Post » integrican  
  • FEISTY
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:38am

    A good example of why the NHL will remain a fringe sport in the U.S. Out there with tennis and snowboarding.

    Sadly, it’s going to take a player suffering a life-changing, catastrophic injury (maybe getting knocked out cold and slamming their head on the ice = coma) with refs just standing around allowing it to continue before the NHL does something serious about brawls on the ice.

    Report Post »  
    • integrican
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:51am

      Many players have been seriously hurt by the blades of skates. DeJardin Buffalo’s goalie that had his jugular cut, Keith Stapelton, had his face literally opened up top to bottom, and many more…..that is why if you kick at a player in hockey you are GONE!!! I hope you’re not suggesting they use rubber skates or something. If you played hockey you would surely understand how and why fights happen.
      Hockey is a tough game reserved for tough players….if you are not tough Play basketball!!! (JK) In basketball you commit a “foul” in hockey you commit a “PENALTY” …that says it all!!! LOL

      Report Post » integrican  
    • dinadp
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:04am

      Buffalo’s Desjardins sustained an eye injury when a puck his his face mask. Clint Malarchuk was the Sabres’ goalie who had his jugular severed – not from a fight but from a skate blade. Richard Zednik was also neck injured by a blade.

      Report Post » dinadp  
    • integrican
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:10am

      Sorry, I‘m getting up there in my years and obviously suffer from ol’timers disease. I think I got the other name wrong as well …Stapelton/Magnusen whats the difference. LOL

      BTW: I’ve noticed people commenting on the referees just letting fights happen. they do that for their own safety. I’m quite sure that none of us would like to get in between any of these guys while they are throwing “hay-makers.“ They wait until the players ”tie-up” then they get in there.

      Report Post » integrican  
    • dinadp
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:22am

      Of course the refs don’t step it – it is safer and the players will, eventually, get too tired to throw another punch. What I don’t understand, though, is how the WWF/WWE has been so popular. Now one seems to complain about that kind of violence. Owen Hart died after he fell when a stupid stunt went wrong. Call me crazy but I’d rather see an occasional fight in the NHL than ever watching a WWE match.

      Report Post » dinadp  
    • Battlecarrot
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:13pm

      Already happened.Google hockey deaths.Go play tennis,…………..or baseball.A girls’ game called“rounders”invented by the English.

      Report Post »  
  • dinadp
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:18am

    As a kid in the 70s, I used to watch Hockey Night in Canada with my dad. The fights were the best part of the game! I remember the Dave Schultz and the Broad Street Bullies. However, in the old days, fighting wasn’t as dirty as it sometimes gets now. Call me a mean chick but I still like a good brawl ever now and then.

    Report Post » dinadp  
  • ICANHANDLETHETRUTH
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:10am

    I love hockey ………..

    Report Post »  
  • Geloh
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:09am

    Oh Sandy…….!!! Taking fighting out of hockey is like the CBC telling Don Cherry to lose the jacket!! Go Leafs…Go Packers!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • Battlecarrot
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:50pm

      The CBC tried to “lose” Grapes but Canada went NUTS and the Communist Broadcast Commission backed down and QUICKLY.

      Report Post »  
  • anutter
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:53am

    Enjoy it before they ban it. (Go Wings!)

    Report Post »  
  • Sandy
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:49am

    As a Hockey mom and fan, I DO NOT like the fighting. Hockey is a great sport and when played with the proper technicals of the sport it is fast, fun and exciting. FIGHTING should be banned from it. They stopped it in Football, Baseball, etc. I know some fights still break out in those sports, but it is rare and they come with big fines along with game ejections when they do. It should be the same with Hockey. I believe the fights ruin it for many that would become fans. It’s the part I do not like about the game.

    Report Post » Sandy  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:04am

      I’m with you Sandy! The fights are ok, if they keep them to a push and a shove and few checks, but once the helmets come off, they should blow the whistle. PUNCHING in the head in not a very BRIGHT thing to do. I also love the game of hockey, just not the way the fights are allowed to continue. Maybe they need a rule to stop the “head” punches, like in boxing.. nothing below the belt?

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:15am

      I say fighting has it’s place in hockey, this kind of event isn’t it mind you. Here in Canada we have a commentator named Don Cherry, and since he puts out a video about some of the roughest parts of the game people think he’s all in favour of fighting and ugly hits.

      The thing is, for people that actually watch his segment realize that fights and taking penalties have a place, but they need to be for a good reason. A penalty that stops a sure goal, good penalty, one that happens during a tied game, bad one.

      When the puck drops at the beginning of the game and a fight starts, bad fight. When the team is down 3-4 points and can’t get their energy up, good fight. One is just thugs, the other is to rally the morale of the team.

      It’s nice to see a few people who realize that too many, or any stupid fights brings down the game.

      Report Post » moriarty70  
    • PatA
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 5:07pm

      You guys sound like a couple of pansies! Pushing and shoving? Really??? Hockey doesn’t need fans like you guys. Take you’re sissy opinions over to the MLS, NBA or NFL. Seriously, you’re ruining the sport for real hockey fans everywhere.

      Report Post » PatA  
    • Battlecarrot
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:28pm

      Ever hear the term,“Game Misconduct”,or “Five Game Misconduct”,or “Season Misconduct”.It means they are gone from the ice and their PAYCHECK for that period.Thought not.It’s been part of the sport for 150 years.Obviously you do not “get”hockey.Biggest mistake we ever made was allowing expansion into markets that don’t have a clue.I‘ll bet you’re one of those who wanted the puck to be florescent colored so the TV audience who were hockey dullards could “see” the puck.Don’t PC my game.

      Report Post »  
    • Battlecarrot
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:44pm

      Cherry would laugh at these uninformed sissies.Google Don Cherry if you want to see the most weirdly sartorially outfitted real two fisted man in North America.You don’t coach the Lunch Pail Gang of the big bad Bruins by acting like Ms.John McEnroe screaming and pulling self-serving hissy fits in front of the biggest non-sports fans in Sportdom;i.e., those rich tennis duffers whose attendence is a social highlight of the “season” and pay mega-bucks to be Seen.Hockey fans pay mega-bucks too but most are genuine fans and ordinary folk.It‘s a MAN’S game you wouldn’t understand.

      Report Post »  
  • Johnl
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:37am

    Its funny, because if you watch a decent amount of hockey fights, the helmets stay on pretty often at least for the first few punches. Now who gets hurt, the one punching a helmet or the guy wearing it? Fighting in hockey is definitely much different from any other fight. Its not to hurt anyone, its just to get moral up.

    Report Post »  
    • Battlecarrot
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:19pm

      Holy crow,have you EVER played hockey?Most of these guys are from tough mining towns in Northerrn Canada and they definitely fight to hurt.First rule in a hockey fight try to pull hockey sweater over opponents head to render him blind and hit with as many piston punches as you can while holding on with one hand to get leverage.These guys are NOT pansy baseball players my hockey playing sister could beat up without mussing her ‘do.

      Report Post »  
    • Battlecarrot
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:45pm

      Google assault charges and ice fights.They are SEVERE one sided potentially career ending fights when the cops lay charges.Google Guy LaLeurs son and how he effectively ended his career by assaulting a goalie on another team who was refusing to fight.Google Donald Brashear.Fighting(mutual) is a way to take the edge off dirty play otherwise you get highsticking,boarding,KICKING with a butcher knife attached to the bottom of the foot,and spearing with the stick that is common in Europe where fighting is not allowed.Hockey is a MUCH more lethal game without that pressure valve release-THAT is the main reason the league allows it because a majority of fans would prefer to see it gone.But the majority of fans have never played the fastest more dangerous game ever devised other than those in ancient Rome.The only sport that would approach it is another Canadian game(First Nation Iroquois)-LaCrosse, IF it was played on skates.Why do you think Montreal’s venerable hockey playing arena is called the COLLISEUM?

      Report Post »  
    • Battlecarrot
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:01pm

      Watch the 3rd fight and see the player trying to push the other player’s helmet off because he was using it to deflect punches instead of keeping his head up and fighting fairly,THEN watch as he gets his head handed to him.
      Wendell Clark sound like a sissy name to you?Ha!Google the scariest guy in hockey who was also a skilled player and not just a goon.

      Report Post »  
    • Maine932
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 4:45pm

      AH, three of those Dallas star players are on IR for facial injuries. The second and third fight they show on this clip, and the 4th fight in the 3rd period, but you’re right, it is suppose to excite the crowd and get the teams motivated. Heck, I‘d play better if I knew I’d avoid a beating…LOL

      Report Post » Maine932  
  • dutchtouch
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:21am

    BTW the final score was 6-3 Boston. Just in case anyone wants to know that.

    Report Post »  
  • Airb0rne4325
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:49am

    Musta been all the hateful rhetoric and vitriol before the game that set these boys off. Either that or they’re a buncha TeaBaggers that naturally have hate in their hearts, if they have a heart.

    I loved it, best part about hockey is watching to guys ice dance and beat the crap outa each other.

    Report Post » Airb0rne4325  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:25am

      This is one time where “hateful rhetoric” might actually apply. They either planned this well before the game started or someone chirpped about the other guys wife/girlfriend or mother to spark a fight ONE SECOND into the game.

      Report Post » moriarty70  
  • Rokoll
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:44am

    Is new york going ban this sport ? It sure looks unhealthy.

    Report Post » Rokoll  
  • 9thCommandment
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:40am

    GO Wings!

    Report Post »  
  • betterthantv
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:36am

    Screw the naysayers! I love Hockey. You have to understand the game to really appreciate it. Hockey players are the best athletes in pro sports. Hands down!

    And you can actually understand them them when they give an interview. Unlike the ghetto boys who play football and basketball.

    Report Post » betterthantv  
    • American Saint
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 9:05am

      That’s a strong comment: “Hockey players are the best athletes in pro sports. Hands down!”. Technically, soccer players spend more time on the field and run more than hockey players skate, but I do realize soccer’s not really a sport!

      I’d be willing to say that football players are better athletes than hockey players and I bet if you played both, you’d agree when you rolled out of the bed on Monday morning. Of course we have to rule out the kicker, punter, long snapper and goalie.

      Report Post » American Saint  
    • integrican
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:22am

      Hockey players can play football better than football players can play hockey….end debate! (heeheeeheee)

      Report Post » integrican  
    • American Saint
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 1:40pm

      …and badminton players can play hopscotch better than hopscotch players can play badminton. I fail to see the point. HA!

      Report Post » American Saint  
    • betterthantv
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:08pm

      I could probably agree on the soccer thing. But football? Dunno, have you ever seen Warren Sapp? lol

      Report Post » betterthantv  
    • ProudInfidel
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:40pm

      Nope, Hockey hands down. NONE of the BIGFAT guys in the NFL could play hockey.
      Football is 1/2 good athletes, 1/2 FATGUYS.
      Hockey is 100% good athletes. INCLUDING goalies. Try it sometime.

      Report Post » ProudInfidel  
    • timber wolf
      Posted on February 5, 2011 at 3:25pm

      NFL plays one game a week, NHL play up to four games a week. I don’t think a team in the NFL could sustain a team playing with the same schedule the NHL does.

      Report Post » timber wolf  
  • hiplainsdrifter
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:30am

    If we could only teach muslims to love hockey, maybe they could find a more peaceful way to vent their aggressions.

    Report Post »  
  • vtxphantom
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:27am

    I would like to see two teams of Muslims on the ice. No one would be alive after 10 minutes

    Report Post »  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:23am

    its hockey.. I expect no less.. its too bad but they were punished for it

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
    • Maine932
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 4:37pm

      They were not punished for these fights. Boston’s Paille was suspended 4 games for a check, in the 3rd period, that the league felt was a hit to the head for the purpose of injuring. The others just received 5 minutes for fighting. Zdeno Chara of Boston and Steve Ott for Dallas both received 10 minute misconducts you “using profane” language at each other. I love hockey, beat the piss out of someone and get a 5 minute penalty. Swear at an opponent and get 10 minutes…LOL

      Report Post » Maine932  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:15am

    Oooooooooo that Sarah Palin.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:08am

    Egypt on ice.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • blanco
    Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:02am

    Um, isn’t that what people pay for?

    Report Post »  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:26am

      Thats what we pay for, I love it.I really don’t like to see anyone get hurt but you expect fights at the games, This was more than anyone would expect though. A great time was had by all.

      Report Post »  
    • Sledgehammer
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:28am

      I once went to a fight, and don’t cha know a hockey game broke out!

      Report Post » Sledgehammer  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:54am

      Could you imagine a Lib/Tea Party match? Those hateful Libs would start something before we even get on the ice. Hating haters!

       
    • GeauxAlready
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:39am

      .
      They need to take Whoooping lessons from Camel Ali. You know from the Egypt Riots. I hear he will be available after he does his ritual Camel Charge and head Whoooooooping right after morning Prayers.

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:46am

      went to the fights and a hockey game broke out. if you were at a n b a game and this happened we would ask the police to investigate.to those who never played hockey it is hard to understand but fighting is to hockey what dribbling is to basketball

      Report Post »  
    • slimster
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:25am

      they should give the refs night sticks and taser guns. more people might pay for that…

      Report Post »  
    • momdanico
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:29am

      Did You miss the Goalie fight between Pitts Pen Johnson and Islander goalie ??? Now that was awesome!

      Report Post »  
    • the_zazzy
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 10:51am

      The Egyptian riots have spread to Yemen, Jordan, and now the NHL. It has reached our borders…where next?

      Report Post » the_zazzy  
    • Ditto Head
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 7:12pm

      In general, hockey’s pretty fun to watch live, but the guys who play it are a bunch of dolts. They play hockey because they’re not smart enough to play football.

      Ditto Head  
    • burkanuck
      Posted on February 4, 2011 at 8:47pm

      Hey Dittohead, where do you get your information? The vast majority of hockey players have university degrees. Dolts? Not smart enough to play football? Are you serious? Not smart enough to play a sport where your body is completely destroyed by the time you’re done your career?
      Amazingly uninformed post.

      Report Post »  
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