Ultra-Rare Goalie/Player Fight Goes Down in Columbus
In a rare and heated moment on the ice, goalie Elvis Merzlikins clashed with player Tom Wilson, driven by frustration over Wilson's provocative behavior.
Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets Fights Tom Wilson
Known for his dynamic presence and emotional nature, Elvis Merzlikins often displays a passionate desire to win, which can sometimes affect his performance and mental state. In a tumultuous match between the Capitals and the Blue Jackets, Merzlikins was continually provoked by Tom Wilson, leading to a rapid escalation of tensions.
The conflict peaked in overtime when Merzlikins tripped Wilson, causing him to tumble into the net. As Wilson attempted to rise, Merzlikins pushed him back and began throwing punches.
Blue Jackets Coach Paul Vincent Criticizes Merzlikins
Contrary to the usual supportive stance of a head coach, Paul Vincent of the Blue Jackets openly criticized Merzlikins for their defeat, which concluded with an overtime goal by Alex Ovechkin.
#CBJ coach Pascal Vincent on the Elvis Merzlikins - #ALLCaps Tom Wilson incident in overtime: "Disappointing. That incident cost us. We have to control our emotions there. It's disappointing."
Merzlikins acknowledged his error:
#CBJ Elvis Merzlikins on his roughing penalty against #ALLCaps Tom Wilson leading to a power-play winner: "I feel guilty. But at the same time, sorry. It's an emotional game. I reacted. Maybe I should control my emotions, but I didn't."
Despite Tom Wilson's known tendency to agitate, Merzlikins' reaction was unanticipated. The Capitals vs. Blue Jackets game has unexpectedly become a highly anticipated matchup.
As Read on Markerzone - MUST-WATCH: Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins Destroys Tom Wilson in a Rare Goalie/Player Fight
POLL |
Do you think goalies should fight more? |
Yes | 287 | 48.3 % |
No | 307 | 51.7 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Tom Banks Toronto Maple Leafs Oliver Ekman-Larsson gets fined by the NHL |
|
2 hours ago | By Julien Trekker Montreal Canadiens Announce Bad News Regarding Juraj Slafkovsky |
|
6 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Elliotte Friedman Signals Potential Trade Between Utah Hockey Club and Toronto Maple Leafs |
|
15 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Andrei Vasilevskiy Pulled as Toronto Maple Leafs Dominate: Full Game Recap and Analysis |
|
18 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Montreal Canadiens Rookie Joshua Roy Faces Backlash for Missing Fan Meet and Greet Event |
|
18 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs Insider Shares Upsetting Update Regarding Calle Jarnkrok's Injury Status |
|
19 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Former Vancouver Canucks and Stanley Cup Champion Unfortunately Passes Away: Moe Lemay |
|
19 hours ago | By Chris Gerics David Perron Leaves NHL and Ottawa Senators Indefinitely Due to Family Tragedy Involving his Wife |
Previously on HockeyPatrol