Danny Wild-Imagn Images
As hockey fights go, Madison Square Garden has been the scene of many classics. Two that come to mind are:
1. GORDIE HOWE VS. LOU FONTINATO: This was late in the 1958-59 season. It started with Eddie Shack vs. Howe but Lou intervened on Shack’s behalf. Gordie pulverized Louie, sending him to the hospital.
2. HABS-RANGERS BENCH CLEARING: Near the end of the season benches cleared, the Police Riot Squad was needed to break the Habs and Blueshirts
Prior to World War II the Rangers defenseman Muzz Patrick got upset when Boston tough Eddie Shore roughed up New York center Phil Watson Patrick, once the Canadian Amateur Heavyweight champion, destroyed Shore as few ever had before. It happened in the first period but Shore – well patched – somehow returned to action for the second frame!