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Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks.

Top 5 NHL Enforcers – 2025 Preview


in Matt Rempe, Georges Laraque, Nicolas Deslauriers, San Jose Sharks

We’re less than 30 days away. The imminent return of NHL hockey.

We all know how Matt Rempe spent his summer. In short, not at the lake.

Instead of the Big Rideau, he attended the Georges Laraque Fight Camp, and big Georges has commented on the fact Matt is now more dangerous than ever. I don’t hate this information.

(John Munson/AP)

The Flyers showed the highly touted Russian prospect, Matvei Michkov, uncomfortable videos of Nicholas Deslauriers, and told him Nick was the guy that would be protecting him. I’m sure Deslauriers, the NHL leader in fights last year with 11, hasn’t been just sitting around doing nothing in the offseason. If this was the 60’s, he probably would have been working on a farm, and might be just getting around to finding his skates within the next couple of weeks. Those days are long gone.

Goonblog hopes everyone is enjoying themselves this summer, and with the new NHL season right around the corner, we thought it was a good time to revisit our 2024 Top 5 Fighters in the NHL post from February to see where we wound up.

In February the top 5 NHL enforcers looked like this:

  • Andreas Englund – Los Angeles – 8 Fights
  • Liam O’Brien – Arizona – 8 Fights
  • Nicholas Deslauriers – Philadelphia – 7 Fights
  • Brady Thachuk – Ottawa – 6 Fights
  • Jonah Gadjovich – Florida – 6 Fights

The NHL as a whole finished with 311 fights. The top 5 teams in fights were:

  • Arizona Coyotes – 38 Fights
  • Minnesota Wild – 38 Fights
  • Nashville Predators – 35 Fights
  • Tampa Bay Lightning – 34 Fights
  • Anaheim Ducks – 30 Fights

The End of 23-24 Season Top 5 Fighters

It finished similarly to how it started, except Brady Tkachuk fell off the top 5, and was replaced by San Jose’s Luke Kunin.

  • Nicholas Deslauriers – Philadelphia – 11 Fights
  • Andreas Englund – Los Angeles – 11 Fights (He also had one in the playoffs) for 12 total
  • Liam O’Brien – Arizona (Now Utah) – 11 Fights
  • Jonah Gadjovich – Florida – 10 Fights
  • Luke Kunin – San Jose Sharks – 9 Fights

11 is the magic number for amount of fights. It’s worth noting, Matt Rempe has 12 fights last year. 7 in the AHL, and 5 in the NHL. It’s worth further noting, his fights in the National were against guys I would consider to be the top heavies in the game today, and I think his scrap against Deslauriers was the fight of the year.

2025 Top NHL Enforcers?

So, what does the upcoming season hold for us fight fans? Well, if you’re on the East Coast, you’re going to have to keep your eyes on Matt Rempe.

The Rempire State building learning to fight could be a huge problem for guys like Nick Deslauriers, Arber Xhekaj, Kurtis MacDermid and Ryan Reaves. If he really hurts one of those guys, will others be willing to drop the mitts with him, or will they turn the second year pro down and skate back to the bench in the interest of violence avoidance? Yeah, we’ll go with that new coined term.

Out West, Luke Kunin will be busy protecting first overall pick Macklin Celebrini for San Jose. I’m sure there will be some guys wanting to welcome the young phenom to the NHL with a whistle, and Kunin may be called on to answer the bell night in and night out. But we’re getting down a rabbithole now, and have to make some solid predictions. Here we go:

NHL 2025 Top Enforcers Preview (and Predictions)

In an era where analytics reign, violence is actually discouraged, and every shift is scrutinized while the best of the best worry about holding onto their jobs – a few fellas stand out. Here are our predictions for the 2025-2026 season based on previous performance, new opponents and plain old drunken stubbornness. This is mostly subjective, and we were told there would be no math.

1. Ryan Reaves – Toronto Maple Leafs

Ryan Reaves will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Known for his powerful right hand and intimidating presence, Reaves has averaged 0.15 fights per game over the past three seasons, accumulating 187 penalty minutes. His Corsi For percentage of 48.2% shows he’s not just a one-dimensional player. Reaves’ former coach with the Rangers, Gerard Gallant, praised his impact: “Ryan brings energy every shift. He’s a leader in the room and keeps opponents honest on the ice.”

2. Nicolas Deslauriers – Philadelphia Flyers

Deslauriers has established himself as one of the league’s premier enforcers and was the winner of our pick for the top fight of 2024-25. His grappling ability and relentless style led to 0.18 fights per game and 213 penalty minutes in the last three seasons. Flyers’ captain Sean Couturier commented, “Nic’s presence allows our skilled players to play with more confidence. He’s always there to have our backs.” That’s one way to put it. Deslauriers is a confident killer.

3. Matt Rempe – New York Rangers

You’re right – we obviously love the Rempire State Building around here. But cooler heads have to prevail when balancing his surprising first big show run last year against being an unproven long term commodity of violence. While he’s still developing his all-around game, his willingness to drop the gloves (0.22 fights per game) has earned him respect around the league. As mentioned previously, Georges Laraque called Rempe “a great fighter,” and can be considered an authority.

4. Kurtis MacDermid – Colorado Avalanche

MacDermid brings a blend of old-school toughness and modern defensive ability to the Avalanche. With 0.17 fights per game he’s proven to be more than just a guaranteed goon. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar noted, “Kurtis gives us that physical edge we need, especially in tough playoff series. He’s a deterrent for teams thinking about taking liberties with our stars.” We’d go step further and predict he’ll be on top of this list by 2026.

5. Zack MacEwen – Ottawa Senators

While he’s no Matt Carkner, MacEwen rounds out our top 5 with his energetic style and willingness to throw a chin-biscuit for teammates and at opponents. He’s averaged 0.14 fights per game while contributing positively to puck possession with a 49.1% Corsi For percentage. Senators’ GM, Pierre Dorion, praised MacEwen’s impact: “Zack brings that sandpaper element we’ve been missing. He’s not afraid to mix it up, but he can also chip in offensively.” If there’s anything Canadians need in general, it’s some post Trudeau grit. So buddy made the list.

We’re at the time of year when one might need a sweatshirt at night (although not lately. This global warming is killing me too, Greta). And I’m starting to get that glint in my eye. Like Ralphie’s old man gets nutty about turkey in a Christmas Story, it’s almost hockey season. I can’t wait for these guys to get after it.

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Matt Rempe & Georges Laraque – Fight School


in Georges Laraque, Matt Rempe

The Tweet:

“If you thought Rempe was a problem this year in the NHL, wait ’til you see him this coming season….”

That, my friends, could be the greatest tweet ever. We should leave it at that. Because I considered titling this post “Remping Up with Laraque”. And Goonblog is better than that. Pour l’instant, profitons simplement de cette photo.

Back to the tweet. Or the “X” – Who dropped this bombshell? None other than the legendary Georges Laraque. It seems Matt Rempe took the feedback, about needing some help fighting seriously, as he’s training with Georgie this summer to sharpen his pugilistic skills. Perhaps only because Ivan Drago, Indiana Jones and Mike Tyson were unavailable.

The Year of Rempe: A Rowdy Rookie Rollercoaster

Last year was indeed the year of Matt Rempe. The hype and the kid behind it. The kid exploded onto the scene, earning a slew of nicknames while turning heads left and right. The hype helped break down his early legacy as reality settled in, exposing his chin.

He fought all comers with mixed results, but the knock on him was clear: without proper technique, he was bound to get seriously hurt by the league’s heavyweights. As we pointed out more than a couple of times.

Thankfully, Rempe is taking the initiative to avoid becoming a human punching bag. Training with Laraque, one of the most feared enforcers in NHL history, is a surefire way to up his game and stay out of the infirmary.

Courtesy of habsolumentfan.com

More Than Just Fists: Rempe’s Hockey Skills

Let’s not forget, Rempe isn’t just a pair of fists on skates. The kid can play.

He held his own in the playoffs and didn’t hurt the team when he was on the ice. If he improves his fighting skills at camp this summer, he’s going to be even more dangerous as a player. Peter Laviolette is going to hear it from the Blueshirt faithful if Rempe isn’t in the lineup next year.

The Panthers’ Silent Victory

On another note, did anyone else find it odd that not one team congratulated the Florida Panthers for winning the Cup at the Draft this year?

Maybe they were all tripping out being at the Sphere. Having been there in person for Dead and Company in June, I can see why. But still, it was odd.

So, congratulations, Florida Panthers. They are a gritty bunch built for playoff hockey. Well-coached by Paul Maurice, and they play a relentless style that fits their grinding identity perfectly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZdwMkJTrJM

Summer Vibes and October Frig-Off Dreams

Here’s hoping everyone is enjoying their summer. The ice awaits in October, and with guys like Rempe gearing up for a breakout season, it’s bound to be a wild ride. 

I think we all got just a little bit ahead of ourselves last season. As a proponent of old time hockey, keeping the threat of a donnybrook in place in the name of fair play – we are enthusiastic about Matt Rempe’s scholastic endeavors. Fuckin’ give ‘er, buddy.

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2-Star Pasta in the North End


in David Pastrnak, Matthew Tkachuk

Anyone who had “David Pastrnak gets in a scrap” on their Bruins Playoff Bingo Card, come on down!

Pasta didn’t do very well, and admits he’s not a good fighter, but good on him for trying. I love how he asks Monty if it’s even an option.

Listen, Bruins fans, it’s a long series.

As Johnny Pierson used to say, “pucks and bodies towards the net will keep you in good stead.” Well, that wasn’t the game last night. It got way out of hand, hence all the misconducts – and the aforementioned fight.

When the Bruins team from game 1, against the feckin’ Paanthaas, shows up, they’ll win the Stanley Cup. If it’s those kids who dillydallied around for the last 38 or so minutes last night, they’re the worst in the league. If you’re currently “Bruins nervous”, you’re not alone, kid.

Not enough shots, and Jeremy Swayman looked like a frozen sheet (like, in Maaarch in the North End circa 1940) he was so hung out wet-to-dry.

2-star review at best, brother. Every Bruin on the roster owes Swayman a heartfelt apology.

We’re on to game 3.

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Bruins vs. Leafs 2024 – NHL Playoff Summary


in 2024 Playoffs, Patrick Maroon, Ryan Reaves, Trent Frederic

To summarize the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs first round matchup in the 2024 NHL playoffs, I can only think of the following:

We Laughed. We cried. We hurled.

That was a bit of an emotional roller coaster, wasn’t it? Eh? So indulge me while I summarize…

Game 1: Who’s playing goal in Boston? More specifically, the main storyline was – who is getting the start in Boston? Will it be Jeremy Swayman? Will it be Linus Ullmark? Will they do the tandem thing like they did all year, or will they ride one goalie until they lose? Will I ever see my feet again? Sorry. Wrong group. I just know Jenny Craig is a fan.

It was Jeremy Swayman who ultimately got the start, and he was outstanding. Game 1 was a faaakin’ bloodletting, kid. Boston won 5-1, and it wasn’t even close. Patrick Maroon was proving why the Bruins went and traded for a 35 year old with a bad back. Trent Frederic got an ENG, so all the Goonblog favorites were involved. Hell, even Toronto’s Ryan Reaves got a regular shift. Things were testy, and it looked like Maroon and Reavo might have to slug it out in game 2 to calm things down.

Game 2: Second verse, same as the first. Who is playing goal for Boston? Will they keep with the tandem? Swayman was excellent. Will they ride the hot hand?

Linus Ullmark got the start in goal, and it was clear Bruins coach, Jim Montgomery, didn’t want to repeat last year’s epic collapse. Or at least, face the same criticisms he did for last year’s epic collapse. By sticking with the tandem that got them here, at least he wouldn’t have to hear the old, “why did you get away from the tandem that got you here” line all season. More on epic collapses to follow. And this is the hurl part.

Ullmark was good in the 3-2 loss. Everyone expected to get the Leafs best game, and that’s exactly what they got. Boston got it going early, and the Leafs just kept in it. It was 2-1 Boston after two, but the Leafs got goals in the second and third and it was the difference.

Game 3: Guess what the storyline is? If you guessed “who is playing goal in Boston?”, you’d be correct. As the series shifted north, tied at a game apiece, both teams had to have some confidence. Boston was outstanding and dominated again. Toronto gave Boston their best game and came home with a split.

Well, it was Swayman in goal and after a fairly evenly matched first two periods, the Bruins exploded for 3 goals in the third. Freddy Fisticuffs had a goal, and Brad Marchand had 2 for the Bruins to lead the way. Jake DeBrusk added the fourth goal, and it looked like the Bruins were taking control of the series.

Game 4: It’s Swayman in goal for Boston, and they dominated. Toronto couldn’t go down 3-1 in the series to Boston, and they didn’t play well enough to avoid that very fate. Brad Marchand became the Bruins’ all time leading goal scorer in the playoffs, and Boston chased Toronto starting goalie Ilya Samsonov. Joseph Woll took over in net and stopped the 5 shots he faced. Boston won 3-1, handily.

Game 5: Maybe now the Bruins will rest Swayman and put Linus Ullmark back in goal? Coming home feeling incredible after the dominating performance north of the border, the Bruins were looking to close out the Toronto Maple Leafs on home ice.

All kinds of articles were being written about the fate of the Leafs when they lose, and a lot of people in the media were pretty resigned to the fact the Leafs were losing game 5. Maybe some home cooking is what the Leafs needed to get an advantage in the series. A little white vinegar in the tank at least. Whatever it was…

Yeah, we’re having a little fun with AI tonight. #vinegar

This is where we start hurling. And not because we prefer cider vinegar – we fuckin’ don’t.

If any team can give up a 3-1 series lead, it’s Boston. They did it last year in the first round, and I for one was not comfortable with everyone writing off the Leafs.

So, Boston is looking to close out a series, and Auston Matthews isn’t playing due to a serious case of the trots. Normal teams capitalize on this and bury their opponent. Not our beloved Bruins. They play what can only be described as a steaming pile of trots. If Toronto was any good, they would have won 56-1. Thankfully Jeremy Swayman is awesome and kept Boston in the fray. Sadly, the Bruins lost 2-1 in OT.

Game 6: Are the Bruins going back to Ullmark after Swayman has lost? Also, remember last year when the Bruins lost the series to Florida? Remember how they lost in OT in game 5? Hurl. Hurl everywhere.

Swayman starts. Surely the Bruins can’t play as bad as they did in game 5? Game 6 Bruins: Hold my beer.The first period may have been the worst period of hockey I have ever seen Boston play. They managed 1 shot in the first 20 minutes, and that’s only because a Jake DeBrusk dump in happened to hit Joseph Woll.

Woll was a wall for Toronto again. He was superb on game 5 and was becoming the new storyline for the series. Again, if Toronto was any good, it would have been a way more lopsided score.

Game 7: Surely the Bruins are going to start Linus Ullmark. While Swayman has been excellent, he has lost 2 in a row, and the Bruins are facing elimination. The Bruins can’t possibly give up a 3-1 series lead in eerie fashion two years in a row.

Apparently, Joseph Woll hurt himself in the last second of game 6 trying to preserve a shutout and won’t play. Auston Matthew is back from the trot-sharts, and an apparent undisclosed injury, and will play. There were a million storylines coming into this game 7.

Jeremy Swayman got the start and was outstanding. The game was 0-0 through 2 and a half periods. When William Nylander scored late in the third, collectively, I think every Bruins fan hurled, and then said, FUCK! Not again.

Enter nefarious Bruins defenseman, Hampus Lindholm. He had been invisible this series – and sounds like an Arthur Conan Doyle villain. Along with Pavel Zacha, and Charlie Coyle for the Bruins, they were all on milk cartons. “The game was not afoot”, Sir!

Lindholm’s wrist shot banked in off of Ilya Samsonov’s arm and in, and there was new life in Boston! They were still alive.

Game 7 was headed to overtime. It’s a good thing I quit drinking a while back, because there wouldn’t have been enough Jameson in the world to calm my nerves. I didn’t like the next goal wins feeling, and it was exactly how last year went. Hurl.

David Pastrnak had been called out by Bruins coach Jim Montgomery after game 6. Monty was right to call him out, as Pasta was so bad, I was questioning his sobriety. He was like Bambi on ice. Falling everywhere. Being more of a turnover machine than usual. He needed to do something.

So, at 1:54 of OT when he took a puck off the end boards that Hampus Lindholm (exceeding even Moriarty) had dumped perfectly, collected it on his backhand, took a step and lifted it over the sprawling Samsonov to win the game – I’d say he answered the call.

So, the Bruins are off to round 2 against the Florida Panthers. The Leafs suffer yet another heartbreaking loss in the first round, and have a ton of questions to answer about their group as a whole.

It was a hell of a series that the Bruins made way harder on themselves. If they want to advance any further than the second round, they have some things to work on. Film at eleven.

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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year


in Matt Rempe, Patrick Maroon, Trent Frederic

The best time of the year is upon us, hockey fans. The best tournament in the world chasing the most recognizable trophy in the world, has begun!

Our beloved Bruins managed to slip to second in the division. They get the Toronto Maple Leafs, which is a better draw than the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, and after Saturday – I couldn’t be more pleased. I was even more pleased to see some Goonblog favorites getting in on the action.

Leafs Peeping in Boston

The Bruins absolutely dominated the Maple Leafs Saturday. They were more physical in a smart way. Toronto was trying to set a tone physically and took some stupid penalties in doing so. Max Domi’s slash on Brad Marchand’s exposed wrist off a faceoff was especially stupid, and Jake DeBrusk of Boston made him pay by netting his second Power Play goal of the game. I get trying to set a tone, but some Leafs players were going way out of their way to do so. It was like a February college game in that regard. Very spastic and undisciplined. Again, I get it. Toronto has had a problem with being flat against the Bruins this year – and being overly aggressive didn’t seem to help their cause either.

John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

Newly acquired Bruin and three-time Cup Champion, Patrick Maroon, made his presence known early. During warmup, he was casually putting one foot over the redline into the Leafs zone. He did it a couple of times. During gameplay, Maroon put Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren into the Bruins bench. It is a classic playoff hockey move and proves Patrick Maroon is indeed built for the playoffs. If Monday’s game gets out of hand it might be time for Ryan Reaves and Patrick Maroon to have a fight. There’s not a ton of fighting in playoffs anymore, but these guys may need to slug it out.

The Nightmare on Causeway Street, or Freddy Fisticuffs, Trent Frederic got in on the scoresheet. He added the empty net goal to put the game decidedly out of reach at 5-1 Boston. Freddy, who has been known to throw hands, had a career year on the scoresheet. He was also named Boston’s 7th Player Award winner. The 7th Player is awarded to the Bruin that goes above and beyond expectations. Like, hey, we didn’t think you were going to be this good type, but thanks! It’s well deserved for Freddy. He was great this year chipping in on the scoresheet and doing yeoman’s work fighting. ENG’s are important, and it was good to see Freddy getting involved.

Rise of the Rempire State (Building)

Over in New York, the legend of The Rempire State Building, Matt Rempe, continues to grow. Matt got his first career playoff goal to start things off in the Rangers’ first game against the Washington Capitals. The game, and building, was very flat until Rempe got on the scoresheet.

What’s happening in New York is nothing short of a following. I’m reluctant to use the word “cult”, however. A cult indicates only a few people will be taken in. Rempe seems to be everyone’s cup of tea. He knows he’s built for playoff hockey, too.

The Rangers players feel bigger when Matt Rempe is on the ice. Coach Peter Laviolette hears it from the home crowd when he’s scratched with chants of “we want Rempe” from start to finish. In addition to providing some serious charge from his already legendary fights, he may just be a power forward in the making. He skates pretty well in spite of his size and can use aforementioned heft in the corners to punish anyone brave enough to end up in one.

Matt Rempe also has the ability to agitate. Washington fraud, Tom Wilson, was trying to get at the man mountain a couple of times during their contest the other night. I have never been a Tom Wilson fan. I think he’s dirty as a whole and did the role of enforcer wrong when he was a true enforcer. He’s a spot picker and doesn’t give guys a shot.

Trent Frederic has asked him to fight several times, and Wilson has said no. Except when Freddy was at the end of a shift and Wilson decided then was the time to give him a chance. That’s the Wilson way.

Anyway, Tom Wilson would be wise to not try Matt Rempe. I get he’s doing his job and trying to get the Washington bench engaged, but if Rempe obliges him, it could go very wrong for Tommy. Actually, I hope it does happen because I’d love to see Rempe beat the brakes off of him. The legend continues to grow in New York!

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The Rempire State Building


in Milan Lucic, Lowell Lockmonsters, Marty McSorley, Matt Rempe, Portland Pirates, Sean Avery, Trevor Gillies

I have never attended a game where a 5-on-5 fight kicked things off. I have seen all manner of things at a hockey game (freshly minted Matt Rempe shirts, peanut fights, fist fights, mustard pack fights, male and female nudity, hate crimes, personally being escorted out of the Garden) and been in the building countless times when a fight happened right off the opening faceoff. But never an all-ice-encompassing shitshow like that one between the Rangers and the Devils.

Elvis Who? Chris Has *Entered* the Building

I was in the building when Milan Lucic (I am still pissed at him) tried to put Mike van Ryn into the third row at the Garden. It happened right across the rink from my old season tickets, and I remember it like it was yesterday.

And I vividly remember being in the building that time the Portland Pirates and Lowell Lockmonsters had 5 successive fights to start the last game of the season – after someone on the Pirates called the Lockmonsters “beer leaguers” because they weren’t going to the playoffs.

The Monsters put a out a guy that could fight. So did the Pirates. Puck dropped, they squared up. Rinse and repeat 5 times. It was magical.

I have definitely been in buildings for 5-on-5 line brawls. Just not at the first puck drop.

I was building-proximus the night Billy Tibbetts and Trevor Gillies started when they were with Springfield. They came into Lowell looking to stir the pot on a Sunday afternoon, and did just that. Patrick DesRochers, the fighting goaltender from Lowell, went the length of the ice to fight Springfield’s goalie, David LeNeveu.

LeNeveu, after the game, was crying in front of (then) Springfield Falcon coach, Marty McSorley, saying in a very thick French accent, “I did not want to fight him.” Then he’d cry a little. McSorley, was disgusted. I will never forget the look on his face. It was classic.

All that now said, I have never attended a game when a 5-on-5 fight starts the game. It is most assuredly on my bucket list, dare to dream, and I am jealous of all the people in attendance for that epic brawl last week. Matt Rempe and company sure got the hockey world talking.

Five-On-Five Fallout

Sean Avery loved it, and was talking about the brawl on his podcast. Avery was giving the Rempire State Building pointers on how to fight. It was his contention that Rempe needed to lock up Kurtis MacDermid’s arm a little better. Avery’s logic is it will give him better leverage to come over his opponent and use his size and reach to his advantage.

I agree with Avery. Rempe is a tough customer, and is certainly willing to take on all comers, but if he doesn’t start getting better separation when he fights, he’s really going to get hurt. I don’t care how tall that big galoot is.

Chara Chops it Up with Sean Avery

Sean Avery also encouraged the girls of New York City to “take care” of young Matt Rempe if they see him socially. I don’t know Rempe’s marital/girlfriend situation, but if he has one, I’m sure she wasn’t pleased about said advice. Rempe, on the other hand, probably appreciated the shout out / shut himself in the airplane bathroom for 5 minutes.

John Scott has an excellent podcast called Dropping the Gloves. It is the Official Podcast of Hockey Fights.com and is a must listen for any fight fan. Scott is a massive Matt Rempe fan, and the day of the game last week he was pining for Rempe and MacDermid to fight. He covered everything regarding history between the two, and why they needed to fight.

After the much-anticipated fight, and the bonus 4 others, John Scott broke the scrap down for us laypeople. Scott says he loves Rempe, but he can’t fight and wants to work with him on getting better. I’d take him up on that offer, Matt.

His technique is flawed, which both former enforcers Sean Avery and now John Scott have mentioned. His holds, and his balance are all way fackin’ off. I’m not a former enforcer, at all, but I think I have watched enough donnybrooks over the years to solidly agree. Matt Rempe is going to get knocked the fuck out if he doesn’t clean it up.

What John Scott also said about him, and what I fully agree with, is the kid is a gamer. He’s got a raw ability to fight. He likes to do it, and he’s not afraid to go with anyone. Matt Rempe has already fought all the heavies in the game right now. I think he’s lost most of them, but it hasn’t stopped him from doing it, and Goonblog loves it.

Matt Rempe’s Dastardly Detractor

Not everyone, of course, is in on the Matt Rempe love fest. Adam Proteau of the Hockey News says there’s no room for what Rempe’s doing in the NHL anymore, and we should be focused more on playoff races right now. Also, got fuck yourself, Adam. Not really – but just kinda. “Progress” is in the mind of the beholder.

Matt Rempe

2024 NHL Playoff Pontificating

I am super-focused on the playoffs, buddies. My beloved Bruins are on a collision course with the Tampa Bay Lightning. It is probably the worst draw they could get, and if it happens, I think the Bruins are out in round 1. AGAIN.

The race for the last spots in the East is ridiculous. Last week, the Flyers were the third team in the Metropolitan Division. Today, they’re on the outside looking in. In a week, the whole thing changed. I wish the Devils were good, only because if they could have played the Rangers in the playoffs after what happened the last time, I would absolutely sign up to see that series.

In my estimation Matt Rempe is one of the most exciting guys to come along in a while in the fight game. His story of how he got to The Show is incredible. Playing his first game in an NFL Stadium and getting in a fight.

Then following it up by fighting most of the heavyweights in the game, right out of the goddamn gate, and doing OK. He caps the start of his NHL career off by being involved in a 5-on-5 fight in the World’s Most Famous Arena, in the biggest media market in the world.

If I needed any more proof (I didn’t) that Rempe is the catalyst for a bit of an enforcer excitement resurgence, one need look no further than Google’s reported search trends for his name – mostly related to ecommerce and people looking to buy Matt Rempe T-Shirts and jerseys. There is a buzz around the Rangers, and the fluid state of fighting in hockey right now – and we all have little Matty Rempe to thank!

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Matt Rempe’s Reckoning


in Matt Rempe, Kurtis McDermid

The Ref and I had just been chatting about needing more material on Matt “Rempire State Building” Rempe last week, and I agreed. We didn’t think it’d be much of a stretch, but the kid is hot tonight, the internet is thirsty, the Loverboy reference was icing on the cake – and that’s how she goes.

I was going to write some kind of blasé preview about the Rangers and Devils facing off, and how there’d sure to be some sort of frontier justice doled out after Rempe was kicked out / suspended for throwing an elbow the last time these two teams met… but I’m sick with that fackin’ thing going around, and didn’t have it in me.

When I turned on the game, and 2 seconds in there was a line brawl, I briefly thought it was a glorious fever dream. But it was indeed a beautiful reality, and I’m glad I stayed conscious long enough to see it. The kid is hot but also does not disappoint.

Courtesy of Newsday.com

Matt Rempe has yet to make it through an entire Devils / Rangers game. While I find it hard to get through Devils games because they suck, Rempe has a penchant for being kicked out for high hits and flying elbows. In 3 contests, he has played a total of 5:03, racked up 47 PIM, and been ejected from all three games. 

A Shit-Disturbing Preface

  • On February 22, his first game against the Devils, he was ejected 2:25 into the game for boarding Nathan Bastain.
  • On March 11, he made it a little farther, getting 8 shifts for 4:48 time on ice before he was ejected for a flying elbow on Jonas Siegenthaler.

The Devils tough guy, Kurtis MacDermid, tried to fight him after the elbow but was unable to get to him and was given a 10 minute misconduct for his troubles. Insult to penalty, as MacD was being led off the ice – Rempe thought it wise to wave to him, which was obviously in no way antagonistic.

The Line Brawl Stage Was Set

Last night, the Rempire State Building was inserted into the Rangers lineup to start the game. Needing to answer the bell for that elbow, and the resulting suspension, the Devils made sure Kurtis MacDermid was part of the early mix in hopes of settling the score right off the hop.

While everyone expected something ultra-violent to result, I’m not sure anyone expected every player, their mothers, and a hotdog vendor, to also join the fray – but that’s exactly what happened. 

I love the buildup from the announcers talking about the scrap that’s about to unfold. Darren Pang had a Pang in his pants, saying “I have the best seat in the house”. MacD and Rempe are chatting it up before the puck drops, with no intention of actually playing hockey.

Who Said Fighting in Hockey is Dead?

When the puck does hit the ice, the main heavies finally get after it. What no one saw coming, was the other 8 guys picking a dance partner. No one wanted to sit the hoedown out. The camera stays focused, for the most part, on the main event, and it’s a long battle between Kurtis MacDermid and Matt Rempe.

I score it a win for MacDermid. He doesn’t beat the brakes off him, but he does win the fight, IMO.

Even the coaches are into it, as Peter Laviolette and Travis Green are screaming at one another as the dust settles. I’m not 100% sure why Laviolette was so upset, may have had something to do with nude photos, but he was, and I don’t think anyone in attendance or watching at home didn’t enjoy that little bonus round.

When the dust fully cleared in its entirety, 130 PIM were assessed for 5 fights and 4 game misconducts on each side. I’d be interested to know why there were 5 fights, but only 4 misconducts? Best I can imagine is 1 fight started after all the staged fights started? I don’t really know. And, again, I’m still hallucinating a bit in spite of a heavy dose of DayQuil.

What I do know, is our boy Matt Rempe is already a legend. I wish the Devils were a better team, because this sort of bad blood in the playoffs could make for some very entertaining spring hockey.

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Bob Probert’s Funeral: Farewell to a Legend


in Chris, Featured, Goons, GoonSquad

Update: 3/25/24: – Originally published 7/10/10
While it’s been 14 years since he left the box for the last time, we though of Bob Probert today, and decided to refresh this old post from the earliest days of our blog. Godspeed, Sir.

Bobby Has Left The Rink

bob-probert-wings Yesterday, in Windsor, Ontario, arguably the greatest hockey enforcer of all time was laid to rest.

It is hard to put into words what Bob Probert’s death means. I didn’t know the man personally, but when someone who is arguably the best at what he did, and that something he did is a passion of your own, it means something.

Think Elvis and Sinatra in music. Dale Earnhardt in racing. Ted Williams in baseball. To me, Bob Probert’s death is that big, and I don’t think I am alone.

Sometimes people will ask me about Goonblog, and just what the heck it is we do here. To the people that share my passion for hockey, and particularly enforcers, it’s a great opportunity to chat about favorites, both old and new. In those discussions, it is only a matter of time before Bob Probert’s name comes up. As in, I have to say, my all time favorite is Probert. Or, You have to have some stuff on Bob Probert.

To the people that don’t know what a goon is, I say, We write about people like Bob Probert. The point being, he’s the household name for enforcing, and for my money, there has never been a better enforcer than Bob Probert.

bob-probert-funeral

Godspeed, Bob.

bob-probert-candid Look at the man’s fight card over his career, and it’s a who’s who of enforcers. Go on YouTube right now, and put in Bob Probert. Last time I did that, I didn’t realize I had been watching fights for over three hours until I went to stand and pee, and my legs were both asleep. The guy fought, and more often than not, beat, every tough guy in the league for almost 20 years. It’s incredible looking at his fight card. He fought all comers, night in, and night out.

Last Hurrah: Andre Nazarov vs Bob Probert

One of his last bouts. I can remember like it was yesterday in the 2001-2002 season – when Andre The Russian Bear Nazarov bloodied Probert. For a bit. And then Bob ripped his helmet off.

While Nazarov was the worst enforcer ever, and as we all know, you win some/lose some in the fight game. He bloodied Probert early on, and then held on for dear life. The hanging on for dear life was pretty much par for the course for Nazzy, but because he first bloodied Bob Probert before he tried not to get himself killed, the media went crazy around here. Real fans knew he got lucky, for Probert, it’s just another day at the office.

Ex-Red Wings, Blackhawks tough guy Probert dies - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Probert’s Legacy

More than his grit and dependability as an enforcer though, was the fact Probert could actually play the game a little bit too.

163 goals, 221 assists, 3,300 PIM in 935 NHL games is something to be very proud of.

What Bob Probert can be even more proud of, is his legacy as a great teammate, and a father to four kids. Sure – he had his legal problems over the years, but he seemed to have his stuff together for a long time, and I’m not one to cast stones in the booze department.

One thing’s for certain, Heaven’s hockey club just got a whole lot tougher. RIP, Probie.

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Not Mad. Just Disappointed and Furious


in Milan Lucic, Patrick Maroon

I’m furious at Milan Lucic. I think I speak for a lot of Bruins nation when I say this, too.

I look at the Bruins Trade Deadline acquisition of Pat Maroon, and I like it overall. I mean, it doesn’t help now, really. Maroon is sidelined after back surgery. He has no timetable for return. He told reporters in his media scrum the other day he’s “meeting with the medical staff, and I’m skating a little bit.” That’s not, um, encouraging.

This could have been avoided if Lucic could handle his liquor and keep his hands to himself. Allegedly.

A Sort of Homecoming

In July, we reported Milan Lucic was coming home. I for one was excited, and hoped the fans in Boston would have (at least) tempered expectations for the former prodigal son. As it turned out, people around town were buzzing. Fucking psyched. Firefighters in town were greeting Lucic like the mayor. Collectively, we were pumped!

Things started off OK for Lucic. He played in a preseason game, with the Bruins at home. When he hit the ice, or touched the puck, the familiar LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH could be heard from the Garden faithful. We were loving it, eh?

The season started on October 11th with a bang. So impressed was I with the play of the new look 4th line of Johnny Beecher, Jakub Lauko, and Lucic, I went so far as to say they could be the best 4th since the Merlot line. I may have jumped the gun a bit there.

Hindsight Being 20/20 (Beers)

Months later, same season, Lucic is in the NHLPA Player Assistance Program after breaking his foot in October. And drinking too much. And not being able to keep his hands to himself. And Johnny Beecher is plying his trade in Providence. And Lauko has been fairly solid after getting kicked in the face in October.

What a fucking waste.

I was already bummed out Lucic was obvi going to be out long term. We had recently learned he would not be available for an Era’s Night Game November 18th against the Canadiens at home on a Saturday night that I was attending. On the morning of the 18th, I got a text of a mugshot of Milan Lucic with a caption reporting he had been arrested the previous evening for domestic abuse. Well, shit. If that isn’t a kick in the groin, I’m not sure what is. Except for maybe a kick in the groin.

I was hoping it wasn’t true, but as the day progressed, various news outlets were reporting it as true. Allegedly, Milan Lucic had been out drinking on November 17th. He came home and accused his wife of hiding his cell phone. She told him she didn’t, and Lucic wasn’t buying it. He broke some stuff and put his hands on her. Oh, and there was a kids’ sleepover going on. Not good.

Handsy / Boozy Fallout

At the game on the 18th, the Pro Shop was completely cleared of any and all Lucic gear. A few people wore their Milan jerseys to the game, but for the most part he was erased from our collective minds like the flashy pen thing in a Men in Black movie. Poof. It was swap gas we saw. Not Milan Lucic.

Then, on February 16th, the charges against Milan Lucic were dropped. His wife refused to testify, and the 911 call was deemed inadmissible in court because Mrs. Lucic didn’t identify herself or Milan as the assailant. The State, realizing their case just blew up, dropped it, and Lucic was free to go.

Wait For It…

…but the damage was done.

Milan Lucic wants to meet with the commissioner to talk about playing hockey again. It’s not going to happen this year, as the Bruins organization has shut a return down. It all leads to a couple of questions, and reminds me how fucking furious I am at Milan Lucic.

The first question is, will he ever play again? There is recent precedent. In 2018, while with the Nashville Predators, Austin Watson was arrested for Domestic Abuse. Watson admitted to his transgression and was suspended 27 games by the league. He made his return to the NHL after a stint in rehab.

While the outcome is different- in so much as Watson copped to it and went to rehab – Lucic had his charges dropped entirely and is already participating in the NHL Players Assistance Program. After successful completion of the program, will he ever play in the NHL again… and has any lesson been learned?

Milan Lucic Back in Boston?

The second question is, will he ever play in Boston again? I don’t really know. He’s on a one-year deal in Boston. After the Bruins went and got Patrick Maroon, I seriously doubt they intend to bring Lucic back. Strategically, that was probably the whole point. I’m guessing Lucic may not be done in the NHL, but I am willing to bet he’s done in Boston. 

And that’s a goddamn shame.

I am so mad at Lucic right now. What could have been an amazing homecoming, full of LOOOOOOOOCH cheers, big hits, and brutal, career swansong fights, will never materialize.

I don’t condone violence of a domestic nature. I don’t know what happened on the night of November 17th, and to the letter of the law, Lucic has been cleared of any wrongdoing. Optics aside, he’s doing what he is supposed to do in the program, and if he is reinstated, he may get a job in the NHL. But not in my patch. And I am so furious at him.

The Ghost of Milan Lucic

There have been so many times this season where the Bruins could have really used his presence on the bench. No more so than Thursday March 7th against the Maple Leafs. The Leafs, having been man handled by the struggling Bruins 4-1 earlier in the week, were looking to at least be a physical presence as they came into Boston 3 days later.

The Leafs were physical, to be sure. Brad Marchand got high sticked in the face, and there were a couple of fights. Parker Wotherspoon of the Bruins was embarrassed by former Bruin, Tyler Bertuzzi, in as one sided fight as there can be. We watched and longed.

He got demolished. Not only should Wotherspoon not being fighting, but if Lucic were around, he could have given the kid some pointers on how to defend himself. Lucic was brought in to mentor these kids, and that’s part of the gig. Teaching callups how to fight. Or at least defend themselves more wicked better.

I was watching this 4-1 game play out thinking to myself – it would have never happened if Milan Lucic were dressed. Once it got physical, he and Ryan Reaves would have taken it to center ice and settled the thing.

Like it or not, girls, frontier justice still exists in the NHL. Both those guys, having been doling it out for years, would have been happy to dispense it.

It’s really not a huge surprise the Bruins brought Patrick Maroon in at the deadline. They must know more than they’re letting on to acquire a guy that isn’t even playing right now, with 17 games left in the season. Like, maybe, Lucic is out for all times.

I don’t know how much of a deterrent Maroon will be moving forward from the press box. He does have a ton of playoff experience, having won three Cups with St. Louis and Tampa, respectively, and maybe they have started talking about a role next year.

I like the move overall, but I am still fuckin’ furious at Milan Lucic. He was the prodigal son, returning to his original citadel, and now his legacy is tarnished because he can’t hold his liquor or keep his hands to himself. Allegedly. 

Oh well, there’s always work at the post office, the Amazon warehouse, or as a boudoir photographer wherever he ends up in Canada.

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