Milan Lucic calls the 2013 fight with Joel Rechlicz a “Preseason tilt”

Milan Lucic brought fans back to 2013 with a quick post on Instagram. The veteran forward reflected on his fight with Washington Capitals winger Joel Rechlicz. His two-word caption, paired with a laughing emoji, instantly stirred memories of one of the league’s most memorable preseason scraps.

Milan Lucic drops a short reaction to the 2013 preseason fight

Lucic’s caption read “Preseason tilt,” a lighthearted nod to the battle. The fight took place in a September exhibition game but had the intensity of a playoff clash. Lucic was in his prime with the Boston Bruins and carried a reputation as one of the NHL’s toughest enforcers.

At the time, Lucic admitted he welcomed the scrap. He told reporters after the game that it was the perfect way to shake off the offseason. The fight quickly drew attention as fans praised the sheer power on display.

Joel Rechlicz stood tall in a battle of enforcers

Joel Rechlicz was no stranger to fights. Known for his toughness, he stepped up against Lucic and held his ground. The two exchanged heavy blows in a back-and-forth slugfest that left the crowd buzzing.Lucic later admitted he hoped to knock Rechlicz down, but the Capitals forward stayed upright and kept throwing. That resilience won him respect, even from his opponent. It was a fight that both men and fans would remember long after the final whistle.

Why the Milan Lucic vs Joel Rechlicz fight still gets remembered

More than a decade later, the scrap remains a highlight reel moment. It came at a time when preseason games often featured heavyweight battles, something far less common in today’s NHL.Lucic’s Instagram callback shows the lasting impact of that night. For fans, it was a reminder of an era when enforcers defined the tone of the game. For Lucic, it was simply two words that brought a fight back into the spotlight.Also Read: Keep an eye on these NHL sophomores in 2025-26: Cutter Gauthier, Zack Bolduc, Marco Kasper, Will Smith, Mackie Samoskevich