Bruins' Goalies Throw Down in Rare NHL Goalie Fight

Veteran fighters Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic break down Jeremy Swayman's bout with Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a rare NHL goalie fight, the Boston Bruins' Jeremy Swayman squared off against the Tampa Bay Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy during a game at Raymond James Stadium. While Swayman held his own, veteran Bruins fighters Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic noted the unique challenges of fighting in full goalie gear, from difficulty grabbing hold of the opponent to maintaining balance. The experienced enforcers offered Swayman advice on adjusting to an unexpected lefty opponent and the importance of simply swinging and hoping to connect.

Why it matters

Goalie fights are uncommon in the NHL, with the last high-profile bout occurring in 2019. This clash between Swayman and Vasilevskiy highlights the passion and competitiveness of hockey's netminders, who are typically focused on stopping pucks rather than throwing punches. The analysis from Jeannot and Kastelic provides insight into the nuances of fighting in full goalie equipment, a skill set distinct from standard hockey fights.

The details

In the second period of the game, Swayman and Vasilevskiy dropped the gloves after a scrum in front of the Bruins' net. Swayman, a right-handed goalie, tried to grab Vasilevskiy with his left hand but missed, likely due to the weight and bulkiness of their gear. Vasilevskiy, a lefty, was then able to get a hold of Swayman's collar and start swinging. Despite the challenges, both goalies landed some blows before officials stepped in to separate them.

  • The fight occurred during the second period of the game on Sunday, February 3, 2026 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

The players

Jeremy Swayman

The Boston Bruins' 24-year-old goaltender who engaged in a rare goalie fight with Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

The Tampa Bay Lightning's 32-year-old All-Star goaltender who fought with the Bruins' Jeremy Swayman.

Tanner Jeannot

A Boston Bruins left wing known as one of the team's tough guys, with five fights this season.

Mark Kastelic

A Boston Bruins forward who has six fights this season and is considered one of the team's experienced enforcers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They have so much gear on. You can't grab on. You just swing and see what you can hit.”

— Tanner Jeannot, Boston Bruins left wing (The New York Times)

“He did good. First one. It's impressive. It was fun to watch and be a part of.”

— Mark Kastelic, Boston Bruins forward (The New York Times)

“I can't imagine it's easy. I haven't put on goalie gear in a long time. I don't know what it feels like. But I'm sure it adds to the difficulty of trying to get a grab or get your range.”

— Mark Kastelic, Boston Bruins forward (The New York Times)

“Swing and hope it hits.”

— Tanner Jeannot, Boston Bruins left wing (The New York Times)

What’s next

The NHL is expected to review the fight between Swayman and Vasilevskiy to determine if any supplementary discipline is warranted for either goaltender.

The takeaway

Goalie fights are a rare occurrence in the NHL, and this clash between the Bruins' Jeremy Swayman and the Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy provided a unique look at the challenges of fighting in full goalie equipment. The analysis from veteran Bruins enforcers Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic highlighted the importance of adjusting to an unexpected opponent and simply trying to connect with punches despite the restrictive gear.