Throughout NHL history, fights have been a defining part of the game, whether they’re sparked by rivalries, dirty hits, or just the heat of the moment. And while most scraps end with players heading to the penalty box, some have delivered highlight-reel knockouts that fans still talk about today.
From legendary enforcers to unexpected brawlers, these fights weren’t just about sending a message—they were about ending the fight with a single punch. Whether it was a perfectly timed uppercut or a devastating haymaker, the knockouts on this list stand out as some of the most brutal in NHL history.
Let’s take a look at the top five most unforgettable hockey knockouts, featuring some of the toughest players ever to lace up the skates.
NHL Fight #1 – Colton Orr vs. Todd Fedoruk
- Date: Mar 21, 2007
- Teams: New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Todd Fedoruk was not the best fighter out there, but let’s give the guy some credit, he always came for more. Colton Orr landed a solid haymaker that sent Fedoruk to the ice in an instant during the 2006-07 season. Todd was known for having a “Glass Jaw,” but then again, he never said no to a fight. That’s something.
NHL Fight #2 – Derek Boogaard vs. Trevor Gillies
- Date: Nov 6, 2005
- Teams: Minnesota Wild vs. Anaheim Ducks
There are tons of Derek Boogaard’ fights videos online. But perhaps his best work happened when he came across Trevor Gillies during the 2005-06 season. Boogaard threw a checkup along the boards on Gillies, and that was it. The gloves came off. Both started with a few sets of haymakers, but neither landed. Then, Boogaard just waited for an opening and landed one of the most perfect uppercuts in NHL history.
NHL Fight #3 – Scott Stevens vs. Paul Kariya
- Date: June 7, 2013
- Teams: New Jersey Devils vs. Anaheim Ducks
More than a fight it was a coldblooded knockout from Devils’ captain Scott Stevens to the Ducks star Paul Kariya during the Stanley Cup finals. Stevens hit left Kariya lying motionless for a few minutes. New Jersey ended up winning the Stanley Cup in seven games, proving they were more aggressive than the rest.
NHL Fight #4 – Evander Kane vs. Matt Cooke
- Date: Apr 10, 2010
- Teams: Thrashers vs. Penguins
Evander Kane became an NHL sensation when he knocked out Matt Cooke in 2010. The fight wasn’t long enough to be considered a battle. It was more of Kane landing a couple of solid punches that put Cooke to sleep. There was such much buzz around the league when this happened; Evander Kane became an instant internet sensation for NHL fans. Matt Cooke still is hated to this date. Just do a quick search online.
NHL Fight #5 – Arron Asham vs. Jay Beagle
- Date: Oct 13, 2011
- Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
My favorite knockout of all time is thanks to Arron Asham. Right at the middle of the ice he when against Jay Beagle as the Capitals and the Penguins squared off. Beagle had the height advantage and tried to connect unsuccessfully six times. Asham just waited for his opportunity and needed a hook to end the fight. The best part was when Asham walked away and made the gesture of putting Beagle to sleep. He earned the right to brag.
I don’t see a correlation between fighting and Stanley Cup winners. Although one can argue the boost a team gets when one of its own wins a fight it’s like no other. However, this shouldn’t stop you from placing some NHL prop bets. A lot of NHL betting sites recognize that fights are part of each game and offer a variety of betting opportunities on who will be fighting who.
Fights Are Part of the Game—And the Betting Action
While fighting may not directly decide Stanley Cup winners, it’s impossible to ignore the energy a big knockout brings to a team and its fans. A well-timed fight can shift momentum, fire up the bench, and even make a player an instant legend in the hockey world.
And if you’re looking to add even more excitement to NHL games, sportsbooks have taken notice. Many betting sites now offer prop bets on fights, giving you the chance to wager on who will drop the gloves next. Because in hockey, the action doesn’t always stop when the whistle blows.
About the Author
Alonzo Solano
The Boss of Betting, Editor-in-Chief & Sports Analyst
Alonzo Solano is an author, sports analyst, Editor in Chief of BossofBetting.com, and host of the 'NFL Latino TV' podcast.
Outside of family, his biggest passion is NFL football. Perhaps he is best known for his podcast 'NFL Latino TV,' where he shares his analysis and perspectives on the game with a worldwide Spanish-speaking audience.
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