Back in the 1970s NHL hockey was a much tougher sport with teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers, nicknamed the “Broad Street Bullies,” and the “Big Bad Boston Bruins” playing very physical games, filled with penalties and fisticuffs.

The game was so rugged it had its own joke. “I went to a fight the other night, and a hockey game broke out,” said comedian Rodney Dangerfield.