MONTREAL, CANADA – NOVEMBER 05: A closeup view of the NHL crest is seen on a referee jersey during the second period between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames at the Bell Centre on November 5, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Fighting has always been a part of hockey. We have been treated to some spectacular fights over the years, even some that feel like a boxing match on skates. So, here are the best fights in the NHL this century (2000-2025).
Derek Dorsett vs. Daniel Carcillo
Mar 25, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (78) fights with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Daniel Carcillo (13) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Blackhawks, 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Donald Brashear vs. Eric Godard
November 19, 2008; Anaheim, CA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Donald Brashear (87) engages in a fight against Anaheim Ducks right wing George Parros (16) during the second period at the Honda Center in Anaheim CA. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Rick DiPietro vs. Matt Cooke
February 2, 2011; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Brent Johnson (left) fights against New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro (39) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE
Flyers vs. Senators Benches Clear
Wade Belak vs. Jody Shelly
January 9, 2008; Anaheim CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing George Parros (16) engages in a fight against Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Wade Belak (3) during the second period at the Honda Center in Anaheim CA. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
George Parros vs. Colton Orr
Mar 5, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing George Parros (15) and Anaheim Ducks right wing Tim Jackman (18) fight during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Boogaard vs. Todd Fedoruk
Nov 14 2010; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Derek Boogaard (94) and Edmonton Oilers left wing Steve MacIntyre (33) fight during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Rangers won 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Downey vs. Jesse Boulerice
January 23, 2008; Anaheim CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sean O’Donnell (21) engages in a fight against Detroit Red Wings right wing Aaron Downey (20) during the second period at the Honda Center in Anaheim CA. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Boogaard vs. D.J. King
Nov 14 2010; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Derek Boogaard (94) ready to fight during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden. Rangers won 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Evander Kane vs. Matt Cooke
Jun 10, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour (62) and Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane (91) fight during the third period in game two of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Neil vs. Zenon Konopka
Jan 17, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Ryan Reaves (75) and Ottawa Senators right wing Chris Neil (25) fight during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
George Parros vs. Brian McGrattan
Dec 14, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing George Parros (15) and New York Islanders left wing Eric Boulton (36) fight during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Tie Domi vs. Donald Brashear
Feb 28, 2006; Toronto, ON, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing (28) Tie Domi relaxes during pre-game before playing against the Washington Capitals at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports Copyright Tom Szczerbowski
Brandon Prust vs. Tanner Glass
Jan 6, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Brandon Prust (9) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Bryan Marchment vs. Craig Rivet
Nov 3, 2010; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Craig Rivet (52) argues with the referee during the third period against the Boston Bruins at HSBC Arena. Boston beat Buffalo 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
