Chris Chelios is a three-time Stanley Cup winner, a Hall of Famer, and lasted 26 seasons in the NHL. He was also known as one of the toughest players to ever play in the league. Chelios really loved a good fight—something Luc Robitaille became very aware of when they once dropped the gloves.
Both Chris Chelios and Luc Robitaille are true NHL legends, and they were both part of the 2002 Detroit Red Wings team that won the Stanley Cup and is considered one of the best NHL teams of all time. But before that, they were opponents and faced off on many different occasions. Chelios was known for his incredible ability to get under his opponents’ skin, and one time, he angered Luc Robitaille so much that they dropped the gloves.
Almost broke his wrist
Robitaille, one of the best goal scorers of his generation—who tallied 668 goals during his 19 years in the NHL—was not known as a fighter. But Chris Chelios brought it out of him. During a game in Los Angeles in 2001, Chelios slashed Robitaille so badly he almost broke his wrist.Two weeks later, the Red Wings and the Kings met again—and Robitaille hadn’t forgotten.
Chris Chelios fought Luc Robitaille
In the second period, Robitaille and Chelios squared off. Chelios landed a few punches before Robitaille could hit back. This made Robitaille even angrier. Back on the ice after their penalties, he skated up to Chelios again, ready for another fight.
“I’ll never forget. I get up, I look at him, saying every word I can think of, and he’s laughing hysterically. He just thought it was the greatest thing. I never forgot his face,” Robitaille told ESPN back in 2013.
Luc Robitailles quote says everything you need to know about Chris Chelios.
READ MORE: Luc Robitaille names his toughest opponent
