Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Alex Nedeljkovic Goalie Fight: What Sparked the Panthers vs. Sharks Brawl?

Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Alex Nedeljkovic Goalie Fight: What Sparked the Panthers vs. Sharks Brawl?

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Goalie fights remain one of the rarest and most exciting moments in hockey. On Monday night, fans witnessed one during the Florida Panthers vs. San Jose Sharks game. Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic dropped the gloves late in the third period.

The moment instantly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the NHL season.

How the Bobrovsky–Nedeljkovic Fight Started

Tensions rose late in the third period with San Jose leading 3–1. Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais received a tripping penalty. After the whistle, Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues delivered a retaliatory hit.

That play sparked a scrum near the net. Several players from both teams rushed in.

Why Alex Nedeljkovic Got Involved

Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic left his crease to defend his teammate. His involvement escalated the situation and drew attention from the Panthers’ bench.

Why Sergei Bobrovsky Entered the Fight

Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky reacted immediately. He skated the full length of the ice to confront Nedeljkovic. The two goalies met at center ice and dropped their gloves.

They exchanged punches before officials stepped in. Nedeljkovic appeared to gain the upper hand and brought Bobrovsky down, ending the fight.

Crowd Reaction and Fan Response

The arena erupted as the fight ended. Fans gave both goalies a standing ovation. Videos of the altercation quickly spread across social media.

Many fans praised both netminders for showing leadership and defending their teammates.

When Was the Last NHL Goalie Fight?

Earlier in the 2025–26 NHL season, fans nearly saw another goalie fight. Charlie Lindgren of the Washington Capitals joined a scrum, which prompted Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators to skate down the ice.

Officials intervened before the two could square off.

Final Thoughts

The Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Alex Nedeljkovic goalie fight delivered one of the season’s most memorable NHL moments. The Panthers vs. Sharks matchup showed why goalie fights still captivate hockey fans around the world.