Top 5 Hockey Fights: A look at some of the most exciting moments of the 2022/23 NHL season so far

The 2022-23 NHL season will conclude on Thursday, April 14. This NHL season, like every other, has been jam-packed with some of the most entertaining and electrifying moments produced on the ice.

NHL fans have witnessed some heated fights between players this season. On that note, here are the season's top five NHL fights:

#5. Evander Kane vs. Brady Tkachuk (Feb 11, 2023)

The Edmonton Oilers were up against the Ottawa Senators. After 12 minutes in the second period, Evander Kane and Brady Tkachuk squared up to one another.

Both landed a couple of punches onto the other, but Tkachuk was the first to hit the ice. Kane's helmet went flying, at which point the referees had to break it up.

#4. Tanner Jeannot vs Riley Stillman (March 4, 2023)

When the Buffalo Sabres faced the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tanner Jeannot and Riley Stillman exchanged a series of heated words during the second period.

The two players dropped their gloves and engaged in a brief fight. Jeannot, who is known for his physicality, landed several powerful punches on Stillman, who appeared to be in some discomfort after the altercation.

#3. Connor Dewar vs Ryan Donato (March 27, 2023)

Connor Dewar of the Minnesota Wild and Ryan Donato of the Seattle Kraken dropped gloves and engaged in a fist fight during their matchup.

The altercation happened during the early minutes of the third period. Both players started landing heavy punches on each other before Dewar was taken down by Donato and the referees had to intervene.

#2. Jordan Binnington vs Ryan Hartman (March 15, 2023)

The St. Louis Blues faced the Minnesota Wild and as the game passed mid-way through the second period, Ryan Hartman scored for the Wild. This irritated Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, who rushed to the Minnesota Wild forward and punched him several times in the face.

Binnington swung his blocker glove at Hartman's face, but didn't make clean contact. Nevertheless, he was called for a match penalty and removed from the game.

#1. Tampa Bay Lightning vs Vegas Golden Knights (March 9, 2023)

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights players got themselves involved in a massive brawl during their matchup.

It all happened during the third period as Pat Maroon and Keegan Kolesar came together after a whistle and then multiple fights erupted. This made the situation difficult for officials for several minutes. Following the brawl, both the team's five players received a 10-minute misconduct penalty.

The QMJHL has banned fights from next season, will the NHL follow suit?

The Quebec government's heavy influence on the decision to ban fighting in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) has caused controversy in the world of hockey.

Some argue that fighting is a necessary part of the game, as it allows players to police themselves and can prevent further incidents on the ice. Additionally, the ban could lead to an increase in cheap shots and unsportsmanlike conduct, which could ultimately harm the integrity of the game.

Although there have been no reports of the NHL looking to ban fights anytime soon, it remains to be seen if the QMJHL's decision will influence other hockey leagues in North America and around the world to follow suit.