No need for the judges’ scorecards: Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier swiftly took down San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Reaves in a heavyweight brawl during a 5-2 Blue Jackets’ loss.
In the final minute of the second period, Reaves dropped his gloves on center ice and invited Olivier to spar. After seconds of dancing and weaving, Olivier fired the first punch with his right fist, which caused the two players to grab each other’s collars and exchange quick, violent haymakers.
After Reaves’ helmet swung off his head from the momentum of the tussle, Olivier threw back a trio of jabs that sent Reaves to the floor in a decisive takedown.
Both players received five-minute major penalties for fighting. On hockeyfights.com, fans voted Olivier the winner 102 votes to none, with two fans voting for a draw. Olivier has been voted 21-0 in fights over the last two years, according to the website.
Almost a year ago, the two had sparred in Toronto when Reaves was with the Maple Leafs, a less dramatic bout between two of the biggest bruisers in the sport.
“It was the first time I’ve been caught knocked down by that,” Reaves told reporters after the game. “…I had to memorize some words. Cotton, honey, arrow I think was there. The months of the year backward. … Passed with flying colors.”
You can watch the fight below.
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