NHL Goalie Pummeling Opponent Inside Net Is Funniest Thing You’ll See Today

Hockey goalies rarely get involved in scrums during games, as they usually leave those altercations to the skaters on the ice. Occasionally, though, a goalie is at the center of a fight, as was the case with Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins on Thursday night.

In overtime against the Washington Capitals, Merzlikins fought with Capitals winger Tom Wilson, a player who is known for his physical play and fighting ability. The refs gave Merzlikins a penalty for the incident, as the goalie was the one who instigated the fight with Wilson—inside his own net.

Washington scored on the subsequent 4-on-3 advantage, as Alex Ovechkin got the winning goal past Merzlikins. During the celebration, the Capitals essentially mocked Merzlikins for giving them the pivotal power play.

Elvis Merzlikins got into it with Tom Wilson in OT 😳 pic.twitter.com/0LEnmDZz6E

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 22, 2023

The Washington Capitals giving it to Elvis Merzlikins after scoring in overtime 😳

All-time photo. pic.twitter.com/HAGuhUyc6v

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 22, 2023

After the game, Merzlikins defended his actions in the heat of the moment, arguing that Wilson was trying to injure him by going at his knees.

“I was trying to grab my stick. I got punched in the head,” Merzlikins said. “Before that, I’m pretty sure he was trying to get me hurt. I was just trying to get my stick. I got punched. Enough. I’m going to defend myself. … He got what he deserved. I don’t care. Seriously, I could be out for the season.”

"It's an emotional game."

Elvis Merzlikins explains his side of the story of the fight with Tom Wilson in the net during overtime. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/LMfrg9GYX3

— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) December 22, 2023

Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent, however, wasn’t pleased with Merzlikins and blamed him for the loss.

“Tom Wilson’s job is to get in people’s faces, and get in the goalie’s face,” Vincent said, per Bally Sports Columbus. “He’s creating a lot of emotions. The emotions were high. He did what he had to do, and we reacted. It cost us the game.”