A History of (Hockey) Violence

A must read from J.P. who provides a history of hard hitting and brawling between the Flyers and the Caps in the past. It's filled with recaps of famous games throughout the history of the rivalry as well as some simply wonderful youtubes of classic fights and brawls between the two teams.

In the three playoff series between the two teams, there have been 46 fighting majors in 16 games. Check out, for example, the first period of Game 3 of the 1984 Patrick Division Semifinals - seven minor penalties (including five hi-sticks and a rough), ten fighting majors and five 10-minute misconducts. 114 PIMs in one period. But that's nothing...

The top home and road games for Caps, opponents and combined penalty minutes have both come against the Flyers in Washington blowout wins - a 6-0 win at Philly on December 21, 1980 in which the teams combined for 344 PIMs (check out Archie Henderson and Behn Wilson, not once, but twice) and a 5-2 home win on February 10, 1991 in which the teams combined for 294 penalty minutes.

In a totally separate game (a 4-4 tie on March 27, 1982), the Caps and Flyers combined for 208 penalty minutes in a 49 second span of the second period.

Six times a Flyer has had a Gordie Howe Hat Trick against the Caps, most recently Ron Sutter back in 1991.

Alex Ovechkin's first NHL fight was against the Flyers' Mike Richards in a preseason game back in September, 2006.

Speaking of Richards, he chucked knuckles with Brooks Laich earlier this season and had a bloody nose (and a win in the fight) to show for it.

Another few bouts from this season - Chris Clark and Scott Hartnell, Matt Bradley and Jason Smith and former Cap Brian Sutherby against former Fly-boy Ben Eager.

Donald Brashear has fought as a Flyer against the Caps six times since 1998-99 (here's one against Stephen Peat - watch out for that left, Peat! - and another for good measure), and against the Flyers as a Cap twice (earlier this season against Riley Cote, who he also fought in the preseason).

Former Cap and Flyer Craig Berube was never afraid to start something, as a Flyer running Don Beaupre here (igniting the brawl you can see detailed at 12:04 of the third period here) and coming in with elbows high on an incredibly well-disciplined Scott Stevens here.

While we're on the topic of goalies getting run, if you touched Scott Stevens' goalie - even if he pushed you into the goalie - you were going to answer. What a stud (seen brawling with the Flyers' Jeff Chychrun at the other end of the ice here). By the way, nice work by Smokin' Al on the color in those last few clips.

You didn't think we'd get through this list without a little more Dale Hunter and Ron Hextall did you?

The late John Kordic and Terry Carkner fought on February 10, 1991. Kordic played just seven games for the Caps, but racked up 101 PIMs, including 22 on that night.

Bonus clip, with a special guest at the 1:08 mark.

Here are Keith Jones and Joe Sacco throwing for some reason,and here's a real lightweight bout.

Finally, if you like a good ol' fashioned bench-clearer, this one from back 1980 is for you (and here's another).

Oh yeah, and lets not forget this season's Flyers team has a history of disgusting acts, which is not too much of a surprise when you combine a bunch of cheap shot artists who can't play hockey with an overrated hockey player who's best move is a spear. Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2007-2008 Philadelphia Flyers!

LETS GO CAPS!
ROCK THE RED!
LEAVE NO FLYER STANDING!