Hockey fans nearly witnessed a highly unusual goalie fight on Sunday evening, but game officials stepped in to prevent it.
During the second period of Sunday`s game between the Boston Bruins and the Los Angeles Kings, Bruins forward Marat Khusnutdinov collided with Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper.
Kuemper reacted strongly to the contact, removing Khusnutdinov`s helmet, which triggered a minor skirmish near the Kings` net. Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman decided to get involved, skating to center ice and signaling Kuemper to meet him there.
Kuemper accepted the challenge and skated towards Swayman. Both goalies took off their gloves and blockers, ready to fight. However, referees quickly intervened, stopping the anticipated goalie fight before it could begin.
Ultimately, both Kuemper and Swayman were penalized with two minutes for leaving their crease. Kuemper also received an additional two minutes for roughing for taking off Khusnutdinov`s helmet, and Khusnutdinov was penalized two minutes for goalie interference.
Unsurprisingly, many NHL fans expressed their disappointment that the referees prevented the two goalies from exchanging punches. Here are some of the reactions to the almost goalie fight.
Tristan Blackwood