LOS ANGELES — When Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper skated to the center of the rink, prepared to confront his Boston Bruins counterpart Jeremy Swayman, Kings coach Jim Hiller could only think of the potential downsides. Fortunately for Hiller, referees managed to prevent a full-blown altercation between Kuemper and Swayman during the game, which concluded with a 7-2 victory for the Kings over the Bruins late in the second period.
“I mean, nobody wants to see that,” Hiller remarked before reconsidering his words. “Well, I shouldn’t say that. Neither team’s coaches want to see that because those are some significant players you don’t want busting up hands or anything like that.”
The tension arose when Bruins forward Marat Khusnutdinov collided with Kuemper, following a hit from Kings forward Tanner Jeannot, leading to a goaltender interference call. Kuemper reacted strongly by seizing Khusnutdinov around the head and neck, removing his helmet, and consequently receiving a roughing penalty.
Riled up by Kuemper’s actions, Swayman left his goal area to challenge him at center ice. Kuemper accepted the invitation, discarding his gloves, which led to Swayman doing the same and removing his helmet. However, the potential clash was halted by referee Graham Skilliter, who restrained Swayman, while linesman Travis Toomey positioned himself between Kuemper and Swayman.
“He touched one of my guys, and I think that was something I’m not going to accept,” stated Swayman. “And kudos to him; he stepped up. Just it got broken up.”
Both goalies received minor penalties for leaving their respective creases.
“Heated moments, you know,” said Kings forward Adrian Kempe. “It happens. It’s fun for the fans, I guess.”
There has not been an actual goalie brawl in the NHL since early 2020, when Edmonton’s Mike Smith squared off against Calgary’s Cam Talbot on February 1. Since then, attempts have been made, including Swayman’s challenge to Joseph Woll of the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 7, 2024, which Woll declined.
Officials also interfered in a confrontation between St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington and Minnesota’s Marc-Andre Fleury in March 2023. Binnington was ejected and faced a two-game suspension after throwing a punch at Wild player Ryan Hartman.
For Hiller, the priority was the well-being of Kuemper, whose stability is crucial, given the Kings’ dominant home track record of 25-3-4. Kuemper remains unbeaten in regulation in his last 14 home games since December 7.
While fans in the arena and those following on social media might have hoped for the altercation to see its course, Hiller was relieved by the timely intervention of officials.
“They’re not as agile as the players are, so I think it’s a little easier for the referees to get a hold of those guys, and glad they did,” reflected Hiller.