Sergei Bobrovsky, left, and Alex Nedeljkovic fight (Getty Images) Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky added a unique moment to his illustrious career Monday, engaging in his first-ever NHL fight. The 37-year-old veteran, already a multiple Stanley Cup and Vezina Trophy winner, skated the length of the ice to square off against San Jose Sharks’ Alex Nedeljkovic in a showdown that had fans on their feet in Sunrise, Fla. The fight, which came six minutes into the third period, marked the 905th game of Bobrovsky’s NHL career.The altercation started when Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues hit Vincent Desharnais, who was returning from injury, behind the Sharks’ net. Nedeljkovic immediately skated over and shoved Rodrigues. Bobrovsky, reacting swiftly, “skated 200 feet down the ice, shedding his gloves in the process, for a fight with Nedeljkovic.” It was a moment that had fans chanting, “Bobby! Bobby!” as the veteran goalie defended his teammate with unexpected intensity.
Panthers vs. Sharks sees rare goalie brawl with Bobrovsky and Nedeljkovic trading blows
Bobrovsky’s bout wasn’t just a personal milestone- it was a rare spectacle in NHL history. Nedeljkovic was stepping into NHL goalie fight territory for the first time, although he had previously fought Orlando Solar Bears goalie Ryan Massa as a member of the Florida Everblades in the ECHL on April 22, 2017, according to HockeyFights.com. In the NHL, Sportsnet notes, “it’s the first goalie fight since the Mike Smith-Cam Talbot bout in the Battle of Alberta in 2020.”Both netminders received five-minute penalties for fighting and two-minute penalties for leaving their creases. Bobrovsky briefly left the ice for an equipment check and shared a hug from backup Daniil Tarasov before returning to the game, while Nedeljkovic remained in the crease. Despite the drama, the Sharks eventually won 4-1.The fight showcased the rare intensity goalies bring when defending their teammates, and the moment quickly went viral among NHL fans. For Bobrovsky, it’s a storybook highlight to an already storied career.