Today In NHL History - Milbury Beats Fan

On December 23rd in 1979, bruising blueliner Mike Milbury of the Boston Bruins followed Terry O'Reilly and others into the MSG stands following a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers engaging fans with fisticuffs. What occured next is best described with moving pictures. O'Reilly received an eight game suspension for leading the charge with Mad Mike collecting a mere pair for beating a fan with his own shoe. It remains the most memorable moment of his 12 season playing career.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Milan Lucic Punches Meyer

On December 23rd in 2010, Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic delivered a bare-knuckle sucker punch to an unsuspecting Freddy Meyer in response to being up-ended by the Atlanta Thrashers defenseman.

Despite cowardly striking a defenseless player, whilst being restrained by a linesman no less, Lucic miraculously escaped suspension for his classless act further fueling speculation of league favoritism towards the Bruins owing to NHL chief disciplinarian Colin Campbell's son Gregory Campbell playing for the club. Instead, Lucic was fined $2,500 for the punch and $1,000 for taunting the Thrashers bench afterwards, totaling less than one one-thousandth of the forward's $4m annual salary.

Boston beat Atlanta that night by a score of 4-1.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Sedin Plays Puck With Head

On December 21st in 2011, Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin deflected a high clearing pass from linemate Alex Burrows past Detroit Red Wings superstar Pavel Datsyuk with his head, utilizing a soccer move rarely employed in ice hockey.

Daniel's move decidedly raised the brotherly bar set by a stickless Henrik in last season's playoff against the Nashville Predators, when his fancy footwork prevented Mike Fisher's shorthanded opportunity.

Raised in Sweden, it's not surprising the twins are proficient in their country's most popular sport. Daily practice dominating the club's pregame soccer hallway warmup ritual likely keeps them sharp.

Undoubtedly a unique compliment to their game, the back-to-back Art Ross winners are emphatically more effective on the ice when using their sticks. Vancouver beat Detroit that night by a score of 4-2.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Laviolette Shoves Steve Ott

On December 21st in 2011, Philadelphia Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette shoved Dallas Stars forward Steve Ott aside upon being blocked from exiting the benches through the tunnel after the first period of play at the American Airlines Center.

Afterwards, Ott outed Laviolette's actions as arrogant, adding "It's disrespect of our building, just let our team off, it's not that big of a deal."

When questioned by HBO's 24/7, the coach conveniently forgot the event.

Following the second period, officials instructed Laviolette and his team to exit the ice through the Zamboni opening rather than taking the tumultuous tunnel. The NHL refrained from fining or suspending the parties, instead instructing them to "hash it out" in a phone call.

The Flyers beat the Stars that night by a score of 4-1.

That's today in NHL history.