Former Ottawa Senators player Mark Kastelic showed on Saturday night why he’s considered one of the toughest opponents in the NHL. Now with the Boston Bruins, Kastelic engaged in a fight with Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider during the game, with the expected result playing out.
This was Seider’s second NHL fight, demonstrating clear progress in both skill and physicality compared to his initial bout two years prior against Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg, as recorded by HockeyFights.com.
The altercation happened near the end of the first period in the Detroit corner, where Kastelic violently clashed with Seider. The tension quickly escalated from verbal exchanges and shoving to a full-fledged fight.
Interestingly, the Red Wings allowed their prized defenseman to fight Kastelic without interference from teammates, which was somewhat surprising. Kastelic, a seasoned fighter standing 6’4″ and weighing 234 pounds, contrasted with Seider, who is 6’2″ and 210 pounds but not known for fighting. Kastelic’s powerful punches put Seider on the defensive, ultimately overwhelming him.
Seider is known as a summer training partner and good friend of Senators star Tim Stuetzle. Kastelic, drafted 125th overall by Ottawa in 2019, spent four seasons with the Senators organization before being traded to Boston as part of the deal that sent Linus Ullmark from Boston to Ottawa two years ago.
Fan Take: This showdown is a reminder of the physical intensity that brings drama and excitement to hockey. Kastelic’s dominance in the fight highlights the ongoing battle of grit and skill, which is crucial for maintaining the sport’s thrilling edge and player rivalries.
