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Thursday, 03 February 2011 12:37

Written by Seth Rorabaugh

While there are hardly concrete records on goaltender fights, Penguins broadcaster Bob Grove is pretty much the authority on all things related to the Penguins and statistics.

With the help of an associate, Grove was able to come up with an unofficial list of 10 "official" goaltender fights in Penguins history.

And when we say "official," we mean that the goaltender in question received a fighting major for his actions. So in other words, this "fight" Garth Snow got into with Florida's Peter Worrell a few years back doesn't count for this list since Snow didn't receive a fighting major.

As you can tell, prior to last night's bout between Brent Johnson and the Islanders' Rick DiPietro was the first in quite a while. And there haven't been too many of these types of fights since the Carter administration.

*-Occured during the postseason. No Capitals player was officially given a fighting major. Hunter appeared to be the one primarily engaged with Wregget.

We're going to assume Al Smith's "franchise record" is safe.

(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)

Comments (4)

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written by jameshutton, February 03, 2011 - 12:57 PM

I remember Dunc Wilson's fight. He had the puck behind the net and Danny Gare touched him. The gloves came off almost instantaneously and Dunc was all over him. Denny Herron's weren't very memorable (why would be pick Tiger Williams?).

Anyway, Dunc and his mask were classics. Too bad he wasn't here longer.

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written by J.S., February 03, 2011 - 01:00 PM

I've seen multiple writeups that Al Smith's April 1971 fights were against Bob Plager of the Blues. A recap on DropYourGloves.com specifically mentioned Plager rarely going across the red line but in this case he came down the ice at full speed into Smith.

I'm trying to find video, but I did find a book clip that mentions Plager and Smith fighting: http://books.google.com/books?...CBYQ6AEwAA

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written by J.S., February 03, 2011 - 01:07 PM

interesting backstory to the Smith-Plager fight:
It was a Saturday night at St. Louis Arena, Penguins vs. Blues, home & home weekend series, and in the Saturday game Les Binkley was in goal for Pitts and the Plager bros were mixing it up with Bryan Hextall & Bryan Watson as always. In a scrum near the Penguin bench, backup goalie Al Smith reached over the boards and sucker punched Bob Plager. Bob of course was enraged and tried hard to get at Smith but was held back. The next night in Pittsburgh, Smith was in goal.

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written by Stephen, February 03, 2011 - 06:10 PM

I also remember Al vs. the Plagers my famly had seats behind the goal that game. One of the few times my Mother actuly cheer for a fight. Also rememeber so idoit coming out of the stands to help. I think both teams hit him. There is also Andy Brown getting throw out of a game in St.Louis One of the few players to get tossed for the new instigating rule. He also gave the fans a "special" salute as he left the rink. But he may not been given a fighting major, which made the instigating penalty even more annoying.

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