Image via Complex Original
While we all love to see a three-minute, rock ’em-sock ’em slugfest in hockey, we also appreciate the comedic violence of a one-punch KO. Which is why we (and the rest of America) were so amused last week when Penguins backup Brent Johnson put Islanders keeper Rick DiPietro to sleep with one vicious left hook—a little less funny, perhaps, when DiPietro's injuries were announced a few days later, but funny nonetheless. Get well soon, Ricky. While you're laid up, you might find comfort in this list, which shows that you are far from alone as a victim of a one-shot kill. Here, then, are The Best Single-Punch KOs in Hockey Fights. Insert Smokey voice here....
10. Jody Shelley, Columbus Blue Jackets
VICTIM:Aaron Downey, St. Louis Blues
DATE: 11/9/2005
COMPLEX SAYS: Sometimes, the best part isn't even the actual KO, but the buildup to it. It's like seeing two dudes square off outside of a club, talk shit, and circle each other warily...before KABOOM! Aaron took an L here, but he's had his moments, too, as you will see....
9. Colton Orr, New York Rangers
VICTIM:Todd Fedoruk, Philadelphia Flyers
DATE: 3/21/2007
COMPLEX SAYS: Didn’t Todd learn from the The Mighty Ducks? Never fuck with guys named Colton.
8. Donald Brashear, Washington Capitals
VICTIM:Shane Hnidy, Boston Bruins
DATE: 3/8/2008
COMPLEX SAYS: We're gonna have to file this one in the "Cheapshot" category, but damn if Brash didn't give Hnidy a straight left for the ages.
7. Dan Carcillo, Philadelphia Flyers
VICTIM:Matt Bradley, Washington Capitals
DATE: 12/5/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: Speaking of cheapshots, here's Danny Carcillo doing what Danny Carcillo does best.
6. Jordin Tootoo, Nashville Predators
VICTIM:Stephane Robidas, Dallas Stars
DATE: 3/17/2007
COMPLEX SAYS: It's a hockey rule: You nail a star player, you better be prepared to face the consequences. So, after taking out Mike Modano, Tootoo had to know he was about to get bum-rushed. Hence, the "offense is the best defense" preemptive strike.
5. Todd Fedoruk, Philadelphia Flyers
VICTIM:Matt Johnson, Minnesota Wild
DATE: 2/10/2003
COMPLEX SAYS: Valiant effort by Johnson to stand back up, but he had those Trevor Berbick legs after he ate Fedoruk's right hand.
4. Fraser Filipic, Colorado Eagles (Central Hockey League)
VICTIM:Jean Bourbeau, Odessa Jackalopes
DATE: 1/16/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: "Congratulations to Bourbeau," the announcer says at the start of the clip. "He should've done this a long time ago." Uh, yeah. There's a good reason why he didn't. Stay in your lane, Jean!
3. Stu Grimson, Los Angeles Kings
VICTIM:Reid Simpson, St. Louis Blues
DATE: 12/28/2000
COMPLEX SAYS: Smarten up, Reid: You tangle with the Grim Reaper, you better have a strong chin.
2. Evander Kane, Atlanta Thrashers
VICTIM:Matt Cooke, Pittsburgh Penguins
DATE: 4/10/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: A player notorious for dirty tactics but his consistent refusals to fight against a young buck who was named after a former heavyweight champ...guess what happened.
1. Aaron Downey, Dallas Stars
VICTIM:Jesse Boulerice, Carolina Hurricanes
DATE: 2/11/2003
COMPLEX SAYS: Fighting 101: If you throw a wild first punch, you better connect. Or else...yeah. Love the epic crowd reaction.
