Though outsiders are quick to bash this element of the game as ruthless or unnecessary, players and referees alike expect and tolerate a few blows under certain circumstances. Though at first glance it may appear to be a brutish bashing of skulls with no real purpose, there are actually a whole list of unspoken rules for an NHL fist fight. Most hockey fans feed off the excitement of team rivalries especially when it comes to blows on the ice, and players never fail to deliver. Each season we see our fair share of fights, but only a few are worth remembering, so we’ve come up with our pick of the top 5 fights of the 2009-2010 NHL season.

1. Cam Janssen vs. Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond: These two turned what would otherwise be a low-profile game into one of the most watched matches of the season, well at least two and half minutes of it. One of the longer-lasting fights of the year, Janssen and Leblond went at it for almost 3 minutes and never seemed to tire, despite the constant blows and action for the duration of the fight.
2. Matt Carkner vs. Colton Orr: The third and final fight of the season between these two rivals resulted in a victory for Orr, his second, giving him the unofficial title between the two players. A hard blow to Carkner’s head finally prompted officials to step in, demonstrating that there is still control in the mayhem.
3. Steve MacIntyre vs. Brian McGrattan: These Canadian rivals went head to head on October 24, 2009 for what proved to be a win for McGrattan but a great fight for all hockey fans.
4. Evander Kane vs. Matt Cooke: Known to pick a fight and having done plenty of damage in previous brawls and controversial hits, Matt Cooke was put in his place by 19 year-old rookie, Evander Kane. Kane delivered a one-punch knock out to the less-than-adored Penguins player.
5. Zenon Konopka vs. Chris Thorburn: Despite his smaller stature, Konopka has a reputation for being one of the bravest, if not best fighters in the league, and any fight involving him is guaranteed action. Though there was no clear winner in this brawl, it was certainly an early season entertainer that’s worth watching again.