The Ottawa Brawl | Beyond Blue & Gold

[@swimwsu76]

Welcome back Lindy Ruff! This was the best game I have ever seen.

[@streetcarjay]

When RJ calls a fight. He puts major excitement in it.

[@dannythomas417]

Or at least in his prime when Buffalo could win. There was nothing better than the Snow-man himself going after both Sabres goalies.

[@jjaa6157]

No argument there.

[@davidurban6090]

When RJ calls a fight. He puts major excitement in it.

[@BigStretchies]

Sens fan here, I miss this rivalry and hope they can spark it again as these teams are on the upswing. RIP to RJ. I would get centre ice every year so I could listen to his great commentary, so even when Ottawa lost to Buffalo his creativity always kept a smile on my face.

[@trevhauer]

"There's no puck." -Adam Mair 2007

[@zed0k]

I was at this game with my dad, it was INSANE.

[@radreviews9774]

Wow

[@sawatisbillings8759]

Skarure?

[@Mike7911779]

Memories like that with Pops is what its all about bud

[@tonerz0fdubb716]

I remember watching it live thinking how awesome it would be to be there

[@SensitiveVirmin1234]

"There is no puck " and just like that legends were born

[@mpi5850]

LMFAO, not sure if you watched the game, but the truth is the Sabres got their collective asses kicked in this game.

[@iamrichrocker]

tears and goosebumps watching this..this era brought my Dad and I closer than we ever had been..thank you for this time machine..

[@ryanthelifechanger6644]

Beautiful memories thanks for sharing

[@BryceKuhn]

^

[@Napgod716]

Same here man.

[@BSBSPSensGirl88]

Sens fan here: I remember that moment vividly. That hit was shameful and still makes me wince. I remember hoping that Sabres fans knew that that didn’t represent our club. That said, I miss games with this much excitement from the crowd and players!

[@gootvansquid]

I know i considered Ottawa a nasty team for at least a few seasons hahah! But on the other hand I was always super hyped for the matchup going forward.

[@matthewemrys1798]

As a Sabres fan it was one of those bad player, not bad team or city. Always enjoyed the rivalry. In fact as a team that's also chasing a cup we root for those that are seeking their first.

[@BSBSPSensGirl88]

@@matthewemrys1798 Same here! And we are alike in the fact that we’re both so close to TO that we’re used to having to put up with being in their shadow. I don’t know how much they infiltrate the media in northern NY but I do know that pre-pandemic they made their presence known in your arena too, haha. Things like these make fans from smaller markets, I’ll say, especially, cheer for other underdogs or those seeking their first cup.

[@sashabenner3916]

Well said sir. As a guy who lost his mind during that game I appreciate that though. And for the record as a Sabres fanatic Philly is way more dirtier lol. Let's go Buffalo!

[@scottymonahan]

Hopefully we both get back to this great rivalry soon, both deserve it!

[@drake7309]

Gives you chills remembering how loud the building was, there was nothing better then a playoff win

[@dannythomas417]

But there was nothing worse than the opponent’s cup clincher at the Buffalo stadium. That’s what Brett Hull did in ‘99. God, that whole place was stunned. And it broke RJ’s heart doing that call. Of course if he did Jason Woolley’s goal, then he would do Hull’s too.

[@drake7309]

@@dannythomas417 no goal

[@dannythomas417]

@Drake Woolley was good.

[@dilloncooper3465]

Best game I’ve ever gone to, this game will stick with me for the rest of my life, can’t forget Peters teeing off on anything in a white jersey and RIP Emery

[@dannythomas417]

Bryan Murray too. He was Ottawa’s coach.

[@rjcupid]

9:16 This moment with Rob Ray is pure gold. As a Canadian I can say that the Sabres have always been my favourite American team in the NHL (still are). Rick Jeanneret was incredible. The Sabres production team on these videos deserves a lot of praise because the quality is top-tier. Take care everyone and Merry Christmas!

[@scottandrew8906]

This is part of my idea of excitement in NHL hockey and I don’t feel bad about enjoying it. Miss this.

[@normandducharme7248]

i

[@jimmydesanta1363]

agreed

[@Keenan716]

3:03 Marty, you are 100% correct and I am glad somebody from the organization is actually saying it!!

[@scottymonahan]

Truth

[@afino61_]

and it never will be like that again watching this whole video makes me proud of those teams and sad that we're never getting any of that

[@TheVickeryFamily]

Not unless we can get another Hasek and some offense

[@fromage77]

@@TheVickeryFamily Honestly I’d take a Miller over a Hasek. Hasek was amazing but gave me a heart attack with his flailing saves. He’s my all time favorite Goalie though

[@TheVickeryFamily]

@@fromage77 I don’t think another goalie in history played center ice as much as he did 😂

[@gettybiggy111]

I wish the Sens had a video package like this, from their perspective I mean, this was cool from a Sens fan.

[@TrevorLaVigne]

Need some of this to spill over into the CURRENT REGIME...

[@sashabenner3916]

Amen. This team is lacking heart and spine

[@Tyler98735YT]

This was the first Sabres game I've watched on TV, been a fan ever since.

[@CrashDummy619]

Bring this back. I miss the old times. I along with the players get chills when I watch this.

[@drewdrabik3620]

I believe that one day we will have a team with that level of spirit and mutual respect again

[@Revealingstorm.]

Watched the game live on tv. Blew my mind. Sabres hockey was so amazing back then.

[@Peccs91]

I remember walking out of the locker room after pee wee practice when the brawl was going down. We had to have 50-60 people looking up at the small tv in the lobby. Everyone in there was chanting LETS GO BUFFALO. Just such an incredible experience and definitely one i will remember the rest of my life.

[@JhubeiFC]

Sens fan here. RIP Emery and Murray. Legendary night. You're all good sports in Buffalo. Love Neiler. Have his jersey. This was his worst moment.

[@ryanthelifechanger6644]

One of the best games I’ve ever seen!!

[@TinaR39]

Damn, I miss this team.

[@Tommerd]

I got chills up my spine near the end. Honest to God.

[@rodcraven3282]

Bring back the emotion to hockey, now it is manufactured and dull. These guys still Wanted to go just watching the video. Love this.

[@tashwalsh3495]

I remember this game so vividly. It was like ThunderDome in there. as a person who was born and raised in Buffalo New York when it comes to standing up and having each other’s back, there’s no better place in Buffalo. The team and Western New York had each other’s backs, and it makes me so proud to be such a great place.

[@JuniorNitro]

This was the first game my parents took me and my sister to. I was 8, she was 5. It was the greatest night of my childhood memories. This showed how connected everybody wearing the Buffalo sweater was. They all had each others' backs, and I'm happy to see the modern product redevelop that culture. Everytime I watch clips of this brawl on KZbin, I get goosebumps. It was unlike anything I've ever witnessed up to that point. That brawl had a pure and simple message attached to it; "If you fire at our captain, we WILL fire back." It is a shame that Ottawa ultimately got the last laugh in the Conference Final, but in that moment, the 6-5 shootout win, was poetic justice in every sense of the term. P.S. My little sister got to see Ryan Miller play after Marty got tossed, so she was happy too.

[@areluoes]

Went down a Chris Drury rabbit hole and ended up here. Brilliant job by the Sabres media team.

[@aimeemarie5462]

I believe they won an Emmy for this. Like legit an actual Emmy

[@Carl5064]

Awesome game!! Being there was unreal. Wish we were good now like we were back then! Hopefully we will be. 🤞

[@sarahpool1168]

This will never get old. Chills, watery eyes, rising heartbeat... God we need this right now in 2021.

[@charlieolewnik]

Greatest hockey game of all time.

[@MrOffroadjunkie]

WELCOME BACK LINDY!

[@gutetime3039]

I remember calling my grandmother going crazy over this game. My aunt and uncle spilled there beer and didn't care. This team represented Buffalo by far! I was upset when Detroit lost to Edmonton (05-06). However, the Sabres gave me a team to watch and be amazed by in 05-06. From that moment on, with Ryan Miller on the team (MSU fan), I became a diehard Sabres fan. Thank you Buffalo for making someone from Detroit realize how special this city and team is. I always tell red wings fans how lucky they are. They would never stand a chance against Buffalo fans. My family is from western New York, so I know Buffalo and it always feels like home. Greatest fans I have ever had the pleasure of being with and honored to have cheered with. One day we will be just as loud as we are here and be a top team. Can't wait till that happens!

[@dannythomas417]

Too bad RJ will be long gone by the time that happens. He’s all I know for Buffalo. I know Dan Dunleavy is gonna fill in for him, but RJ’s calls will always stand the test of time. That ‘89 Malarchuk throat cut was probably the only good call from the one before RJ.

[@DarkAngelKitsune]

I remember watching this game at home with my dad and brother and my dad just kept yelling "oh captain, my captain" after the hit on Drury. And I felt so much pride for my Sabres at how hard they fought back. They were my boys, my team

[@danielbrennan8760]

I was row 18 behind the net. I remember when ruff tapped peters on the shoulder the entire rink got up. Goose bumps still.

[@jeremyf7470]

I miss lindy ruff so damn much

[@MrOffroadjunkie]

Guess who's back

[@noddingout]

I watch this every few months. This was a real brawl. I’m here the night of rangers devils “brawl”

[@BourbonBasement1177]

I was working, where i still work, at Duffs. we were watching yelling at the tv. ill never forget it.

[@gootvansquid]

Sick. Most definitely one of the moments that solidified my love of the Sabres. This was the year I started watching. I think the current Sabres roster would benefit greatly from re-watching that season. Just the whole damn season.

[@richrealdeal6606]

Lol Ruff said” Go after Peter, Go after Peter, dont go after our f******* captain” lol

[@dnasty312]

Peters

[@Daniella311]

Hands down greatest game I’ve ever been to

[@trevhauer]

Man these ads every 3 minutes don't get old

[@scottymonahan]

As soon as you watch one set of ads, just skip past all of the yellow markers and then restart where you were watching, it will then skip all of them

[@kydop6128]

GO SABRES!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS BRINGS BACK SOLID MEMORIES!

[@juanito1975]

I like these retrospectives.

[@jjaa6157]

I was home, alone, watching it, and when it happened, I was really stunned. And then my folks came home, and I told them about it. And I was at work the following day and it became the talk of my workplace. I think every workplace was like, did you see it?

[@kylef7616]

I think what made Peters vs Emery kinda cool is that Emery was legit one of the best fighters in the NHL. He could handle himself against almost any player

[@TR-vr5pz]

and the douchbag drowned

[@countof3everybodyOD]

@@TR-vr5pz ayyeee lmao wtf

[@alpearson9158]

not in pads no goalie can fight a real fighter in pads

[@mpi5850]

Peters embarrassed himself, Emery held him off after already fighting the goalie and with all that equipment on to boot. RIP Emery.

[@TR-vr5pz]

@@mpi5850 Emery sucked as a fighter, goalie and swimmer--gurgle gurgle

[@dustinbell401]

This type of breakdown of old fights need to happen way way way more often.

[@patg148]

This should have been 10 minutes longer. There's so much more to have said, or letting the moment play out in entirety would have been great too

[@sabresthoughts5407]

My Dad and I were sitting 20 rows up behind the net where they shot twice. It was insanity. It felt surreal.

[@afino61_]

the only game I was ever at that came close to this level of surreal was the game against San Jose the night after the Clarence plane crash. I sat in the top row of the building that night. I remember the moment of silence. The comeback and the win. That whole night was incredible.

[@garyschwart]

When hockey was a sport. Proof that a captain should be well respected and good at his job

[@mariopario8637]

Peak Senators, God I miss that team

[@teamsaunz]

I’m a Sens fan and remember that game so well. Dirty hit by Neil and to be honest, Spezza and company deserved everything they got. The one thing I remember the most was Emery (RIP) smile as he fought both Biron and Peters. The guy was so amazing to watch. Still can’t believe Murray (also RIP) sent out our scorers after that hit. I think it’s awesome that the people of Buffalo all pitched in to pay the players/coach’s fines…that I didn’t know about until now. Guess what though…Sabres and Sens are both going to be good teams for the next few years. Sens vs Sabres rivalry…the next generation or 2.0. Hope Sabres fans can get that ice rink just as loud, was totally insane watching that on tv.

[@pjsebadoh5412]

Sooo great! Eye for an Eye.

[@thetruthissweet2847]

Very enjoyable.

[@jjaa6157]

I think we heard the 'F-bomb' here.

[@jjaa6157]

I was home alone watching that game and my folks were at the theatre and this whole crazy mad event exploded and when they came back I told them what happened. I swear my mother's eyes bugged out when I told them and my father looked stunned. It became the talk of every work place the following day, mine included.

[@boone315]

Miss those players. Meant so much to the city.

[@ryanmonolopolus163]

quite literally a defining moment of my childhood

[@LivingDeadbeat]

I love how the crowd behind the bench goes from looking excited to nervous when Murray and Ruff started getting into it.

[@TheIncredibleDapperRob]

Best game I have ever been at

[@Al_Camino77]

Every day is a gift for Biron

[@dnasty312]

The Thursday Night Brawl, I remember watching with my pop 🖥

[@philiphied]

Philly fan: this is excellent.

[@crystalholloway2862]

Hardcore Newfie sens fan here and by’s I’ve been a sens fan since 97 98 season and this was the year we went all the way to the finals but this game in particular was my favourite and I hated Buffalo so much and this game just shows who the better team was

[@joshmcivor4026]

As a sens fans this game was awesome n insane.. brutal what neil did but this game was old time hockey.. n Peters got dealt with next game when Mcgratton came to play

[@greggburke7796]

I wanna see the roundtable talking about Lucic running over Miller which subsequently led to the complete dismantling of the team and sent the franchise sputtering into a tailspin that lasted a decade!

[@gettybiggy111]

Thanks Brian Murray. R.I.P. Legend.

[@pennykitty1]

I remember the day that Andrew Peters got the job as the enforcer. My sister and myself flew up to St. Catherine's in Canada to watch Sabres training camp. Andrew knocked out Eric Bolton with 1 punch. It was intense. He had the most intense punch only behind Rayzor. I remember my sister and myself being freaked out by his size and strength. But he was a very humble man. I know that I have a picture of my sister with Andrew Peters, he was so powerful yet kind with a very nice kind smile.

[@Kastrenzo74]

It's so sad that many of the people involved in this story are passed on now, and it wasn't that long ago really Brian Murray, Ray Emery, and Rick Jeanerret the other day

[@KOB2576]

Exactly the coach this team needs

[@erichendrick4833]

I came to this video as soon as I heard the news. Let’s put some balls back into this team.

[@r3tr0actiongamer24]

Golden age

[@jimmydesanta1363]

that was a beautiful hit by neil, keep ur head up kid 👏

[@joshuakuberka4008]

god, I loved that team and they took them from us

[@rolandkennedy80]

Why do they erase this then re upload it then erase it re upload it??

[@years2211]

I need to make it to the nhl I would die if I got into the sabres franchise and holy top shelf cozens

[@BillsMafia11]

Being a 6 year old at this game was absolutely unreal

[@JD-gh5op]

And here’s the difference between hockey and football. Having the Bills currently in their window…is a fun game to watch. And when the Sabres were… it was a fun team to watch. And more fulfilling as well from the standpoint of a fan.

[@ginnyweatherbee7941]

Oh god, I loved Lindy in that moment

[@blueknight5754]

This is real "beef"...this is a team that decided that we will stick together tonight no matter what! Players today need to understand this concept..when a player takes liberties against your teammates..you fight and protect each other..not cheep shots but putting your chin and fists into it!

[@movienerd2223]

Wow

[@coolbeanz1918]

Playoff story's are the best part of hockey.

[@ajs510]

Happy Twosday...15 years ago today on 2/22

[@PastAlternative]

Back when this team had more heart than ever. Tear

[@tylerstephens8875]

I remember sitting like 4 rows behind Ottawa bench and swing spezza and them guys coming over the wall and then looking and seeing peters kaleta coming out and I knew that it was going to get ugly

[@frankb6791]

Why no comment from Drury in this?

[@codyge18]

Why is this called "the Ottawa Brawl" and not "the Brawl in Buffalo"

[@mikewilliams5499]

Not a big fan of buffalo but I'm glad they stood against Neil.

[@bigpappachungus5273]

Biron couldn’t have been more correct 3:10, this fan base should be ashamed of themselves to be honest. I remember I went to a game probably 5 years ago and they were booing the team in the 1st period and I haven’t went back since. I stopped going after Briere and Drury left , decided to finally go to a game and never been so disappointed in our fans

[@mikephalen3162]

In my opinion, you could see from the first playoff series that the Sabres weren't going to go all the way. Although the Sabres dumped the Isles 4-1, New York showed how physical play could negate the Sabres speed and offense over a series. Even though Buffalo defeated the Rangers 4-2, I would argue that the Rangers were the better team. Again, the Rangers brought a physical game that pushed Buffalo to the edge. These two series set the table for the inevitable defeat at the hands of the Senators, who had the offense the Isles didn't and even more of the hard-nosed play than the Rangers. The Sabres were so bruised and tired entering the conference finals that there was no way they would outlast Ottawa. In the regular season, Buffalo scored 20 more goals than Ottawa, but Ottawa surrendered 20 fewer goals than Buffalo. The more physical team in a series is going to win. And I would argue that Buffalo was never the same team after Neil's cheap shot on Drury, brawl or no brawl.

[@HoweyJR_]

The rangers were not the better team we outplayed them in 5 of the 6 games

[@scottymonahan]

Losing JP Dumont was such a huge loss.... he was so insanely underrated for his game and what he brought to those teams, especially when it came to playoff hockey.

[@dnasty312]

@@scottymonahan And Jay McKee and Mike Grier

[@dnasty312]

The 2005-06 team was better

[@scarycrazymann]

@@dnasty312 that has always been the problem with this organization, they willfully let go of leaders and grit that stop other teams from bullying us.

[@mohawksniper79]

Answer who is Rob Ray

[@ajarfullofjoy]

I wasn't into hockey, but I heard my dad yelling about Drury and I came into the room and watched and my dad was like "Marty's gonna die!" Then I was excited to see Lindy screaming. I was sure he'd win a fight.

[@dD-iv9tz]

Where were u guys when miller got ran over ?

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

I feel like they glossed over the reason why Murray had smaller guys out there. I'd have to look back on the video to see who it was (I'm guessing their 2nd or 3rd line, assuming Drury's was the 1st), but the Sabres initially had another line out there. But as the home team, the Sabres had last change. So when Murray sent out his top line (which... even seeing what he saw, I do wonder why he thought that was a good idea), Ruff was able to make a change of his own. That's why when you look at the video, the Sens' top line is already lined up at the dot as Peters/Mair/Kaleta come away from the bench to the dot.

[@barbalato5]

Drury was a list gem when we dropped him. Could have kept him 5 years and made a future rebuild. Sad

[@WilliamFreeman]

Requiescat in pace, RJ.

[@aaa7189]

Great deal to get Drury, should have gotten the 4 draft pick from Edmonton for Vanek

[@christophercole8114]

Chris Neil never let an opportunity for a dirty hit to go by. He waited for Drury to get rid of the puck, and you can see him change direction and blindside our captain. I've always believed Ottawa was a dirty team and Neil was proof of that. That said, I'd love to see a Sabres team that close knit again. Maybe with the team they have now they'll come close to it, but that team from 05-07 was special. If Rory Fitzpatrick knew how to clear a puck they'd have won the Stanley Cup the previous season.

[@awfan221]

Those were good times. Although Neil was not predator really and his suspension record showed that. He was more cheap at the end of fights... never thought much of Peters for fighting Emery when he was already engaged with Biron. Players should never fight goalies unless the goalies instigate.

[@petehutchins7062]

Made me just think that Drury to my memory has never come back here for anything when he left

[@goalhornfanatic9449]

There was word he wanted to interview for GM when we fired Murry, but I think the Rangers Org wouldn't let him.

[@rolandkennedy80]

Do you blame him? He was here only 3 seasons

[@sashabenner3916]

Miller!!!!!!!