Video: Pens’ Fleury and Habs’ Budaj Almost Have Goalie Fight

Jan 22, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is restrained by referee Kyle Rehman (37) from fighting Montreal Canadiens goalie Peter Budaj (not pictured) during the third period against at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins’ goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Montreal Canadiens’ netminder Peter Budaj wanted to exchange punches in last night’s game, but the referees’ weren’t having any of it.

Amidst a scrum that had ensued around the 14:50 minute-mark of the third period, Budaj was coaxing Fleury across the ice, trying to bait him into a rare goalie fight. Once Fleury acknowledged Budaj’ wishes, the two made their moves to center-ice, however, the officials’ patience for the impending melee didn’t allow it to happen.

After the game, Fleury was asked by a reporter in the locker room if he had been aware of Budaj’ martial arts history. Here’s what he had to say:

"“No I wasn’t. I would have kept my helmet on, for sure,” he said. “Does he really?” Fleury asked, to which to reporter replied, “That’s what I heard, yeah.” Sequentially, Fleury belted out laughing, and said, “Maybe, that’s a good thing [no fighting occurred] then.”"

Check out the footage below – courtesy of Antonio Nor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3sHQFkM2SQ