Tough Guys In The NHL – Top Five Most Penalized Players

Tough guys in the NHL serve a lot of time in the penalty box. And let’s face it, the penalties are usually for fighting. It’s pretty hard to rack up thousands of penalty minutes with holding or tripping penalties. This is a breakdown of the top five most penalized players. It doesn’t necessarily mean that these guys are the toughest of all time but I certainly wouldn’t recommend  fighting any of them!!!

Fans of the game have long been fascinated by the enforcers and agitators who bring physicality and intimidation to the game. From legendary fighters like Bob Probert and Marty McSorley to modern-day tough guys like Tom Wilson and Ryan Reaves, these players have captured the imaginations of fans with their willingness to drop the gloves and their ability to intimidate opponents.

While the NHL has taken steps to reduce fighting and other forms of excessive physicality in recent years, tough guys remain an important part of the game and continue to be loved by fans for their grit, toughness, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help their team win.

1 – Dave “Tiger” Williams – 4,421 penalty minutes

2 – Dale Hunter – 3,565 penalty minutes

3 -Tie Domi – 3,515 penalty minutes

4 -Bob Probert – 3,300 penalty minutes

5 -Marty McSorley – 3,381 penalty minutes

Dave Williams, better known by his nickname “Tiger”, is the most penalized player in NHL history with 4,421 penalty minutes accumulated over his 14-year career. Williams played for five different teams throughout his career, but he was perhaps best known for his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played for six seasons. Williams was a tough, physical player who wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves and engage in fights with opponents. He also had a knack for scoring goals, tallying 241 goals and 513 points in his career. Despite his high penalty minutes total, Williams was well-liked by his teammates and was known for his great sense of humor.

Dale Hunter played in the NHL for 19 seasons, amassing an impressive 3,565 penalty minutes along the way. Hunter played for the Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals, and Colorado Avalanche during his career, but he is perhaps best known for his time with the Capitals, where he served as team captain for several seasons. Hunter was a gritty player who was known for his physical play and his ability to get under opponents’ skin. He also had a knack for scoring clutch goals, including several overtime game-winners in the playoffs. Hunter’s aggressive style of play sometimes landed him in trouble with the league, but he was a beloved player among his teammates and fans.

Tie Domi was a fan favorite throughout his 16-year NHL career, thanks in part to his willingness to drop the gloves and engage in fights with opponents. Domi racked up 3,515 penalty minutes over his career, which is the third-highest total in NHL history. He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets during his career, and he was known for his toughness and his ability to get under opponents’ skin. Domi was also a skilled scorer, tallying 104 goals and 245 points over his career.

Bob Probert was one of the most feared enforcers in NHL history, known for his toughness and his willingness to engage in fights with opponents. He amassed 3,300 penalty minutes over his career, which is the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Probert played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks during his career, and he was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his ability to intimidate opponents. Despite his reputation as a tough guy, Probert also scored some goals, tallying 163 goals and 384 points over his career.

Marty McSorley – Marty McSorley was a tough, physical player who was known for his willingness to stand up for his teammates on the ice. He amassed 3,381 penalty minutes over his career, which is the fifth-highest total in NHL history. McSorley played for several teams during his career, including the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a key member of the Oilers’ dynasty in the 1980s, winning two Stanley Cup championships with the team. McSorley was also known for his skills as a defenseman, and he tallied 108 goals and 359 points over his career. However, his career was marred by a controversial incident in which he used his stick to strike an opponent in the head, leading to a lengthy suspension and criminal charges.

Conclusion: In recent years, the NHL has taken steps to crack down on fighting and other forms of excessive physicality in hockey. While there will always be a place in the game for tough, physical players, the league recognizes the importance of player safety and is committed to reducing the number of dangerous hits and altercations on the ice. As a result, we may never see players accumulate penalty minutes at the same rate as the top five most penalized players in NHL history. Nevertheless, the players on this list have left a lasting impact on the sport and will always be remembered for their physical prowess and their willingness to stand up for their teammates on the ice.

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