Sucker Punch Saturday

In honor of the new Goon movie “Goon: Last Of The Enforcers” (check out the trailer - it looks like it’s going to be awesome) coming out in select theaters and on Demand in the US on September 1st - I thought I would put together a list of the best Duck brawls of all-time.

5. Anaheim Ducks v San Jose Sharks: October 26th 2014

The Scene: Losing 3-0 in the 3rd in what appeared to be a super chippy game - Nate Thompson took on John Scott (future NHL All Star) before everybody else got involved. Corey Perry had already fought Tommy Wingels and had just been tossed for getting involved again.

The Results: The Ducks had 3 game misconducts including Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry, 90 total PM’s, and even Rev Lovejoy did not love thy neighbour as he fought Joe Pavelski.

Bonus Points: At one point Freddy tried to fight Hertl because Annti Niemi wouldn't oblige.

4. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim v Buffalo Sabres: December 3rd 1997

The Scene: The Ducks were down 3-0 in a game where they were frustrated by an in-his-prime Dominik Hasek. Noted “tough guy” Mark Janssens hit Hasek while he was behind the net and, predictably, multiple fights broke out.

The Results: Not much else happened after that initial brawl, but Matt Barnaby showed why he was one of the best (and possibly original of the modern era) pests of all time. 37 PM’s for the Ducks and 14 for the Sabres.

Bonus Points: This was the season Hasek carried the Sabres to the Cup Final and should have won it but for “that goal”. Also 2 of the top 5 on this list featured in this season. This could have been 3 had somebody actually done something about Suter hitting Kariya.

3. Anaheim Ducks v St Louis Blues: October 11th 2010

The Scene: The Ducks were losing 3-1 and had started the season 3-0. I guess going down 3-1 after such a bad start was the last straw. Three minutes into the 2nd Kyle Chipchura fought Ryan Reaves, and it was all downhill from there.

The Results: The usual suspects got involved, but inevitably their possibly reluctant linemates were also drawn in. Bobby Ryan and Saku Koivu were forced to throw down (though Koivu didnt get credited) and certain Ducks you forgot ever existed (Aaron Voros anybody?) took part in the between whistle antics. 78 PM’s in total - 17 of which belonged to Bobby Ryan.

Bonus Points: Rookie Cam Fowler and his number 54.

2. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim v Calgary Flames: December 8 2001

The Scene: The Ducks were up 4-0 thanks to goals from Kariya, Kjellberg, Jason York, and German Titov when Flames goon Craig Berube “sent a message” by bumping Giguere behind the net as he went to play the puck. The Ducks retaliated shortly after through Kevin Sawyer running Mike Vernon.

The Results: Multiple fights throughout the rest of the game including the likes of Rusty Salei (RIP), Vitaly Vishnevski, hell even Pavel Trnka! Anaheim ended the game with 107 PM’s, Calgary with 202.

Bonus Points: According to HockeyFights.com, Calgary is currently the Ducks number one rival with the most PM’s seen between the two.

1. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim v Dallas Stars: March 13th 1998

The Scene: Dallas was winning 4-1 thanks to a Joe Neiuwendyk hat trick. The Ducks were already without captain Paul Kariya thanks to a dangerous & nefarious cross check to the head from Gary Suter in a goal mouth scramble against the Chicago Blackhawks a month prior. Teemu Selanne was carrying the puck into the Dallas zone and beat his defender Craig Ludwig along the boards when Ludwig decided to launch a flying elbow at Selannes head in the far corner.

The Results: I still remember this one - as Teemu lay motionless everyone grabbed somebody before the refs intervened. Dave Karpa tried to get at Ludwig while he was still in the box and got tossed for his efforts. They had to eventually kick Ludwig out as well because every Duck wanted to justifiably murder him. 117 penalty minutes for the Ducks and 68 for the Stars. Peter LeBoutillier got 30 total for 2 game misconducts and a misconduct. Rusty (RIP) and Rucchin were both involved.

Bonus Points: This embedded video has an interview with Ludwig where he accuses Selanne of selling it and says the typical, “(I’m a) goon, coach says hit best player” mantra. So essentially proves that he is in fact the stupidest human being. Whereas in contrast Brent Severyn verbally expresses his regret.

Honourable Mention: Anaheim Ducks v Los Angeles Kings: March 5th 2016

Why: Because Rickard Rakell can do anything.

Results: 44 PM total, 15 for Bieska, 10 for McGinn, and one surprise take down by the Swedish Scrapper.

Keep an eye out for more material on Goon: Last Of The Enforcers coming soon, including a possible interview. If you haven't seen the trailer - what are you waiting for?