The 90s were a different time for the game of hockey.
On March 23rd, 1991, the LA Kings doubled up the Calgary Flames by a score of 8-4. However, no one was really talking about the score at the end of the game.
We’ve seen some crazy acts over the years, but it’s rare to see coaches get physical. Verbal jabs and pointed fingers get thrown around, but for the most part, coaches stay away from any physical contact.
In 1991, it was a different story.
The video shows the pandemonium already ensuing, but it wasn’t exactly clear as to why the benches of both squads were heated. Benches were cleared and the two teams were getting physical, and it all stemmed from Doug Gilmour taking a punch.
Now, it isn’t out of the ordinary to see a hockey player take a jab, especially in the early 90’s. With that being said, it is rare to see the player take a jab from the opposition’s coach!
Joel Otto and Doug Gilmour were exchanging pleasantries with the Kings’ bench. All of a sudden, Gilmour goes down.
The commentator’s point out LA coach Tom Webster. Well, it appears as if Webster wanted to take matters into his own hands as he dropped Gilmour with a punch. At 1:30 in the video you can see Gilmour falling to the ice and the announcer’s deciphering all of the chaos
From there, the Flames are obviously upset and that is when the benches start to clear. Gary Roberts pushed down the plexiglass and the teams went at it.
Webster was given a four-game suspension by the NHL and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. Gilmour was suspended for two games and fined $500 and Joel Otto was punished with a $500 fine as well.
According to Steve Springer of the LA Times (in 1991), Gilmour actually threw the first punch! It’s hard to tell from the video. We can see Gilmour use his left hand to point, but it isn’t clear that he threw a punch towards Webster.
Overall, 196 PIM were handed out in the contest. Rod Buskas had 20 in the game for LA, while Jim Kyte one-upped him with 21 PIM. 23 different players managed to pick up penalties, with 11 of those players hitting double-digits.
