The craziest brawls in hockey history—Ranked!

From bench-clearing chaos to legendary grudge matches, hockey has never shied away from raw emotion and explosive fights. While the game has evolved, its history is filled with jaw-dropping brawls that fans still talk about decades later. Buckle up—we’re ranking the 10 craziest brawls in hockey history!

10. Bruins vs. Canadiens – 2008 Line Brawl

The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens have one of the NHL’s oldest rivalries, and it hit a boiling point on February 9, 2008.

What happened:

A scrum turned into five separate fights breaking out simultaneously, including goaltenders Carey Price and Tim Thomas going at it. Over 192 penalty minutes were handed out.

Why it was wild: Two Original Six rivals—pure hatred, pure chaos.

9. Maple Leafs vs. Sabres – Goalie Throwdown (2013)

This fight is remembered for one insane moment: a goalie fight between Ryan Miller and Jonathan Bernier.

What happened:

A scuffle over a dirty hit led to all-out war. The most iconic part? Two goalies charging at each other, gloves off, ready to brawl.

Why it was wild: Goalie fights are rare—and this one was absolute mayhem.

8. Flyers vs. Senators – 2004 Penalty Record

This game holds the record for most penalty minutes in a single NHL game: 419.

What happened:

The final minutes of the game turned into five consecutive line brawls. It was pure bedlam, with even the enforcers running out of people to fight.

Why it was wild: Legendary Flyers toughness + old-school hockey justice = pure chaos.

7. Avalanche vs. Red Wings – “Fight Night at the Joe” (1997)

Arguably the most personal and emotional rivalry of the late '90s.

What happened:

After Claude Lemieux’s brutal hit on Kris Draper in '96, the Red Wings got revenge in this March 26 game. Darren McCarty famously dragged Lemieux into the boards and pummeled him.

Why it was wild: This wasn’t just a fight—it was vengeance, and it sparked a legendary rivalry.

6. Blues vs. Blackhawks – “St. Patrick’s Day Massacre” (1991)

This battle on March 17, 1991, turned into a bloodbath.

What happened:

Multiple bench-clearing brawls led to 278 penalty minutes. Even the coaches were fired up.

Why it was wild: Old-school brutality and deep-rooted hate between division rivals.

5. Kings vs. Flames – “The Gretzky Brawl” (1990)

You know it’s serious when Wayne Gretzky gets into a fight.

What happened:

During a playoff game, tensions boiled over and The Great One found himself in the middle of the melee. It’s one of the few times Gretzky ever dropped the gloves.

Why it was wild: Even the GOAT couldn’t escape the madness.

4. Islanders vs. Penguins – Revenge Game (2011)

This wasn’t just a fight—it was a retaliation war.

What happened:

After a cheap hit the game before, the Islanders came out swinging—literally. There were 65 penalties and 346 minutes handed out. It felt more like a UFC card than a hockey game.

Why it was wild: It was premeditated, and no one held back.

3. Flames vs. Canucks – Line Brawl from the Opening Faceoff (2014)

The puck dropped—and so did the gloves.

What happened:

Both coaches started their fourth lines, and a full line brawl erupted within two seconds of the game starting. Even the coaches got into a shouting match.

Why it was wild: Instant chaos. You didn’t even have time to sit down.

2. Bruins vs. Rangers – Terry O’Reilly Goes Into the Stands (1979)

One of the most shocking moments in NHL history.

What happened:

After being heckled by a fan at Madison Square Garden, Bruins players climbed into the crowd and started fighting fans. Terry O’Reilly, Mike Milbury, and others were involved.

Why it was wild: It wasn’t just a brawl—it broke the wall between fans and players.

1. Red Wings vs. Avalanche – The Rivalry That Redefined Toughness

This deserves another mention—because it wasn’t just one fight.

What happened:

From 1996 to 2002, every game between Detroit and Colorado was a powder keg. McCarty vs. Lemieux. Roy vs. Vernon. Fists, blood, and vendettas.

Why it was #1: This was the greatest hockey feud of the modern era, and the fights were legendary.

Final Thoughts

While fighting is fading from today’s game, these brawls remind us just how emotional and intense hockey can get. Whether you're for or against it, there’s no denying these moments are etched in hockey history—and in highlight reels forever.