Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky created a memorable moment on Monday night. The veteran goalie engaged in his first-ever NHL fight during a game against the San Jose Sharks. Bobrovsky, who is 37 years old, skated the full length of the ice to confront Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. This unexpected showdown electrified fans at the arena in Sunrise, Florida.
A Veteran Goalie Makes History
Sergei Bobrovsky has built an impressive career over many seasons. He has won multiple Stanley Cup championships and Vezina Trophies. However, his 905th NHL game presented a new challenge. For the first time in his professional career, Bobrovsky dropped his gloves and fought another player. The altercation occurred just six minutes into the third period of the game.
The Fight Unfolds
The sequence began when Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues delivered a hit behind the Sharks net. Rodrigues hit Vincent Desharnais, who was returning from an injury. Alex Nedeljkovic immediately responded by skating over and shoving Rodrigues. Bobrovsky saw this and reacted without hesitation.
Bobrovsky skated approximately two hundred feet down the ice. He shed his gloves during the long journey. The two goalies then squared off in a rare NHL fight. Arena fans erupted with chants of "Bobby! Bobby!" as Bobrovsky defended his teammate with surprising intensity.
A Rare Spectacle in Hockey
This fight marked a significant moment for both goalies. For Alex Nedeljkovic, it was his first NHL goalie fight. However, he had previous fighting experience in minor leagues. According to HockeyFights.com, Nedeljkovic fought Orlando Solar Bears goalie Ryan Massa back in 2017. That fight happened when Nedeljkovic played for the Florida Everblades in the ECHL.
Sportsnet noted this was the first NHL goalie fight since 2020. The last one featured Mike Smith and Cam Talbot during the Battle of Alberta. Goalie fights remain extremely uncommon in professional hockey. They create moments that fans remember for years.
Penalties and Aftermath
Both goaltenders received penalties for their actions. Officials gave each player a five-minute penalty for fighting. They also received two-minute penalties for leaving their creases. Bobrovsky briefly left the ice for an equipment check. His backup, Daniil Tarasov, gave him a supportive hug before he returned to the game. Nedeljkovic stayed in his crease area after the fight.
Despite the dramatic fight, the San Jose Sharks ultimately won the game. The final score was 4-1 in favor of the Sharks. The fight itself became the main talking point from the contest. It showcased the intense loyalty goalies feel toward their teammates.
Viral Moment and Career Highlight
The goalie fight quickly went viral among NHL fans. Social media platforms filled with clips and discussions about the rare event. For Sergei Bobrovsky, this fight adds another unique chapter to his storied career. He already has numerous accomplishments and awards. Now he can add "first NHL fight" to his list of memorable moments.
Such fights demonstrate the physical nature of hockey. They show that even goalies, who typically stay in their nets, will defend their teammates. The Bobrovsky-Nedeljkovic fight reminded everyone why hockey remains one of the most exciting sports to watch. Moments like these create lasting memories for players and fans alike.
