There’s nothing wrong with a little passion in hockey. But sometimes, emotions boil over, and instead of firing up their team, these players just end up imploding.
From untimely penalties to full-on meltdowns, these NHL stars let their feelings take the wheel—and it usually drove their team straight into the penalty box. Whether it was anger, frustration, or just being too caught up in the moment, these guys let emotions get in the way of their talent.
18. Antoine Roussel
Roussel always played with a chip on his shoulder, but it often became a liability. His penalty minutes piled up faster than his point totals.
17. Max Domi
Max inherited his dad’s fire but didn’t always know how to channel it. His emotional outbursts sometimes overshadowed his offensive contributions.
16. Evander Kane
Kane has the skills, no doubt, but off-ice drama and on-ice emotion have often thrown him off course. His tendency to let things get personal has hurt team chemistry more than once.
15. David Clarkson
Clarkson’s intensity was sky-high, but he couldn’t keep it in check. He too often crossed the line from gritty to reckless.
14. Zac Rinaldo
Rinaldo wore his emotions on his sleeve—and usually followed it up with a suspension. He spent more time in the box than actually making plays.
13. Sean Avery
Avery made a career out of being annoying, but his emotions were always dialed up to 100. Eventually, the antics got in the way of everything else.
12. Tom Wilson
Wilson walks the fine line between fierce and foolish—and sometimes tumbles right over it. His emotions often lead to big hits and even bigger suspensions.
11. Matt Cooke
Cooke played with a serious edge, but he let anger dictate his actions far too often. That aggression led to some notorious incidents he never quite lived down.
10. Tony DeAngelo
DeAngelo’s emotional outbursts both on and off the ice have cost him roster spots. Talent can only go so far when the temperament doesn’t match.
9. Tie Domi
Tie could energize a crowd, but he also had a short fuse. His emotional reactions often sparked fights that were more damaging than helpful.
8. Raffi Torres
Torres had the skill to stick around, but his emotional outbursts made him a repeat offender. His suspensions became part of his legacy.
7. Jordin Tootoo
Tootoo was fearless, but his emotions sometimes got the better of him. He could’ve been more impactful had he not let the heat of the moment take control.
6. Brad Marchand
When he stays composed, Marchand is a game-changer—but that’s a big “if.” His emotional antics, from licking to low hits, have often been his undoing.
5. Chris Simon
Simon had serious physical presence, but his emotions often took things way too far. His long list of suspensions speaks louder than his stats.
4. Ron Hextall
Hextall was a fiery goalie who couldn’t resist getting involved—sometimes too involved. His emotional explosions made him as dangerous as any skater.
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3. Claude Lemieux
Lemieux thrived on emotion but frequently crossed the line into chaos. His passion helped him win, but also made him one of the league’s most hated.
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2. Marty McSorley
McSorley let his temper define his legacy, especially with that infamous stick incident. One emotional decision completely altered the course of his career.
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1. Patrick Roy
Roy’s emotions made him legendary, but also combustible. From storming off the ice to fiery press conferences, he let his feelings dictate his fate more than once.
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