Nick Bjugstad isn’t known as a fighter in the NHL, and he never even had a chance to drop his gloves before a rookie playing in his first game began punching him in the face.
The hockey fight happened in the third period of Minnesota’s 5-4 home loss to the Colorado Avalanche Monday night. Bjugstad gave Kyle Burroughs a shove – a typical thing after the whistle blows – only to have Burroughs immediately drop his gloves and begin pounding Bjugstad in the face with closed fists.
Bjugstad had a gash over his nose and his face was reddened. But the question is if Bjugstad even knew he was about to be involved in fight. Wild coach Dean Evason said “the guy got the jump on him.”
“I’m not sure he was ready for this fight,” said Bally Sports North analyst Ryan Carter. “He’s got the gloves off, throwing punches before Bjugstad even knows what’s going on. I don’t think Bjugstad expected that whatsoever.”
Bjugstad finished the game with a goal, assist and a fight for the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
