Tkachuk Brothers Advocate for More Goalie Fights in NHL

In a recent episode of their new podcast, *Wingmen*, NHL players Matthew and Brady Tkachuk called for an increase in goalie fights within the league. The first episode, released on November 13, 2023, marks a milestone as they become the first active NHL players to host their own podcast. Both brothers are currently on injured reserve, which has given them the opportunity to explore this innovative project.

During the podcast, Matthew, who secured the Stanley Cup twice with the Florida Panthers, expressed his desire for more frequent goalie fights in the NHL, asserting that they add excitement to the game. Brady, who plays for the Ottawa Senators, echoed his brother’s sentiments, noting that fans appreciate seeing goalies engage in fights. Matthew recalled a notable incident from March 2023 when Marc-Andre Fleury nearly faced off against Jordan Binnington, wishing that officials had allowed the altercation to unfold.

The Tkachuks believe that promoting goalie fights could help enhance the sport’s appeal. Matthew lightheartedly suggested that an uptick in such fights could lead to increased ticket sales. Brady humorously stated that he would actively join every scrum if he were a goalie, to which Matthew responded in agreement.

Despite their enthusiasm, goalie fights have become increasingly rare in the NHL due to league regulations. Goalies who leave their creases to engage in a fight face additional penalties, while officials make efforts to avert these confrontations before they can begin. Such rules prioritize player safety and aim to control fighting in the sport, resulting in a notable decline in goalie altercations in recent years.

Historically, some famous goalie fights have left a lasting mark on the league. In 1997, Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon engaged in a memorable brawl during a game. Other notable fights include those between Ron Hextall and Felix Potvin in 1996, as well as Cam Talbot and Mike Smith, whose fight in 2020 was the last officially recognized goalie fight in the NHL. The 2011 fight between Brent Johnson and Rick DiPietro raised safety concerns, further contributing to the league’s stance against goalie fights.

Recently, there have been a few near-fights involving goalies, but officials intervened before they could escalate. Linus Ullmark and Charlie Lindgren came close in 2025, while John Gibson and Petr Mrazek nearly clashed in 2024. Jeremy Swayman and Darcy Kuemper also experienced a moment of tension that was quickly diffused by officials.

The Tkachuks’ podcast discussion taps into a topic that resonates with many fans and players alike. While they advocate for more goalie fights to bring additional excitement to the NHL, current league rules make such confrontations unlikely to return in the near future.